Policeman Luo Jian did not expect his bid to improve community safety would spark hot debate.

Luo, 34, who serves in the the East Wanyuan Lane Community in Beijng's Fengtai District, donated 1,000 yuan ($133) of his annual bonus last year and set up a fund to reward ordinary citizens who help police fight crime.

Far from encouraging vigilantism, the scheme encourages people to tip off authorities about known criminal activities.

Luo defended the legality of the scheme after he sought donations from businesses and local residents.

"It's a way to raise awareness of public security among residents. Even a 1 yuan donation could show a support for my efforts," Luo told China Daily.

He is the only policeman to oversee public security for more than 1,700 households in the neighborhood, which has a population of roughly 7,000.

The involvement and cooperation of residents in public security and safety matters is "vital", he said.

Since the fund was established, awards of 50 yuan each have been awarded to nine residents and security guards who have helped catch bicycle thieves.

Business owners and residents have applauded the scheme, and 2,000 yuan has been donated since September 7, with some donating just 2 yuan each.

Sun Liang, who runs a barber shop, donated 150 yuan.

"I support Luo's efforts. It could motivate everybody in the community to care about security, " Sun said.

However, critics, including some residents, questioned the legality of the fund.

Luo said the fund was being managed prudently.

The account is under Luo Jian's name, but Lin Xiaoyun, a top official of the local residential committee, has password access.

Another official of the residential committee, Gao Shiying, keeps the deposit book and card while another resident, a retired accountant, oversees checks and balances.

Liang Hui, sub-chief of Donggaodi police, Fengtai District, which is responsible for public security in 10 communities including East Wanyuan Lane Community, said Luo's scheme had official approval.

"We think it's a bold and innovative idea, and it actually works," Liang said.

"Crime has dropped dramatically, and the residents report the community is much safer."

But Liang stopped short of encouraging other police to follow Luo's example because "every community is unique and needs different countermeasures for crime".

Yu An, a professor at Tsinghua University, said any fund should be established in line with the laws and regulations.

"Activities of public servants should follow related guidelines, or the results might be adverse," Yu said.

But a lawyer surnamed Tang told Legal Daily that Luo's reward scheme did not violate legal principles as long as it was "limited to a reasonable scope".

(China Daily 10/30/2007 page4)