BEIJING - The Ministry of Public Security on Thursday launched a three-month program to train Chinese grassroots policemen in using arms in accordance with laws.

The training is aimed at improving grassroots policemen's legal knowledge and practical skills, so they can effectively use weapons in line with laws and deter criminals when they are dealing with violent crimes, the ministry said.

According to the ministry, the training will mainly focus on policemen who patrol streets and handle emergencies in big cities and county-level regions.

It will provide teaching on the laws as well as training in actual combat skills.

The ministry and provincial-level public security organs will also send teams of trained instructors to grassroots public security offices to help local police improve weapon-use ability, it said.

The ministry stressed that public security organs at all levels should establish rules and regulations on routine exercises and set-term intensified training, establish standardized long-term training mechanisms and strive to improve practical skills, in order to protect people's lives and property.