Policing with the people in China: implementing the mass line in criminal investigation. A synthesis of the literature

This article takes a rare look into operational policing in China. It examines the literature, written in the Chinese language and in English, utilising a thematic analysis, on the subject of the mass line (ML) in criminal investigation. While there are many studies on the wider aspects of ML policing, there are few studies on the specific area of criminal investigation in operational policing in China. The studies that were identified focused on three aspects: the need for relying on the masses, the problems encountered in the reform era in implementing this guideline and the causes of these problems, and the strategies for enhanced implementation of this guideline in criminal investigation. Studies written in English concentrate on the history and policy changes in Chinese policing that tend to be introductory and descriptive in nature. This study concludes that relying on the masses (the public) in solving a criminal case is definitely a significant advantage for carrying out the ML in criminal investigation work, but not the only one. A more in-depth study on implementing the ML in criminal investigation is needed particularly focusing on how to effectively concentrate the ideas and efforts of the rank and file within a police force through implementing the appropriate style of leadership.