BEIJING - China's Ministry of Public Security on Thursday issued an order instructing police officers nationwide not to participate in activities outside their scope of responsibilities such as land expropriation and home demolitions.

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According to the document, which included a series of guidelines aimed at curbing corruption, policemen would be "seriously questioned" if they abuse their power in land expropriations and home demolitions. Erring officers may face severe consequences, the ministry warned.

The guidelines ordered police departments across the country to focus on the prevention of unnatural deaths of those detained by police.

The document also warned of other issues, such as excessive penalties and policemen selling public security products or operating entertainment businesses.

In addition, the ministry urged police departments to make full preparations for a series of major events scheduled for this year, such as the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and the Universiade 2011 in August in the southern city of Shenzhen.