Ye said that officers undergo annual training sessions to teach them how and when to use their gear to subdue an assailant.
Still, many officers are reluctant to take out the baton or pepper spray, even if they are carrying it that day, according to Zhu Xiaoming, a local traffic police officer.
"I have never used any of this equipment, and seldom bring it with me," he told the Global Times. "Officers can get into a lot of trouble for using their gear."
Zhu said that officers can be held liable if they injure a suspect.
"I have to write a report each time I use pepper spray or other gear," he said. "We have to make sure that the pepper spray does not seriously injure a resident. Otherwise, we could be held personally responsible for the person's medical bills."
Landmark building should respect the public's feeling