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The People's Armed Police Force (人民武装警察部队; renmin
wuzhuang jingcha budui) is a paramilitary police force responsible for
domestic security within the People's Republic of
China. The PAP is not normally deployed and in contrast to the unarmed regular police who are members of the Ministry of Public Security, PAP
members carry sidearms. Also in contrast to public security officers, the PAP wears olive green istead of dark gray uniforms.
The PAP was spun off from the People's Liberation
Army in April 1983 and was intended to remove domestic security functions from the People's Liberation Army. In general, the PLA views the PAP with disdain and considers the
PAP a dumping ground for PLA rejects.
With a general headquarters at the national level and subordinate division-level provincial or specialized units,
regimental-level detachments, and battalion-level brigades, it retains its military organization. PAPF units assigned to internal
security are responsible for guarding party and state organizations and foreign embassies and consulates, as well as for
responding to emergencies and maintaining law and order.
See also Immediate Action Unit
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