Ministry of Public Security sources said on Thursday that 5,000 special police were sent to quake-hit regions to carry out rescue and relief operations and maintain public order.

The Special Police Units handle duties that regular officers are not equipped to handle, such as riot-control and hostage-situations.

On May 27, the ministry made a decision to send 5,000 special police from 28 cities to quake-hit regions to gradually replace 3,350 special police who were already working there.

"After the earthquake hit Wenchuan on May 12, about 3,350 [special police] were sent there and they became very tired after more than 20 days' rescue and relief operation," he said.

"The 5,000 special police will gradually replace all those working there," he said, noting that as of 7:00 pm on Wednesday, all the 5,000 had arrived in Sichuan.

These special police will assist local officers in rescue and relief operations and help to maintain public order, he said.

(Xinhua News Agency June 5, 2008)