Police registration

Registering our residential address at a local police station is a step to be taken by every resident alien. When we first arrived, the rule was to register within 7 days of arrival. This is now changed to 'within 24hrs' of arrival. We didnt know of the change until yesterday.

Having registered with our friendly police when we first moved to this current address, we had no idea we were breaking the laws by not registering again after this trip back to Melbourne. Went to our friendly local police station yesterday, this time they have a brand new 5-storey building with more spacious waiting room. The lady officer insisted we were law breakers for not registering within 24 hrs of returning to China. Grace tried to explain our resident visas are still valid, our address and lease are still unchanged. Grace asked the lady for a reason to re-register each time she left the country. The lady officer gave her an honest answer:"I dont know, but I have a monthly quota to meet on issuing penalty notices for those who dont register on time". She added, (my paraphrasing) most times, she and her colleagues just couldnt be bothered with issuing penalty notices because there is a lot of paperwork, but the monthly quota compelled her to spend the time and go through the process. Just a written warning. No fine (max Y500).

Some signages I saw to kill some time while waiting:
1. 4th and 5th floors: dormitory for police officers
3rd floor: meeting rooms and admin offices
2nd floor: offices for Station Chief, Asst Chief, Commissar.
1st floor: Household and residency registration, Dispute Reconciliation Room
Basement: Interrogation Room (Love to see this one, but I was afraid to end up being 'interrogated')

2. "5 Major Rules for Police ":
a - Uphold Firearm Mgt Guidelines (almost all police do not carry firearms)
b - No Firearm and Alcoholic consumption
c - No Driving and Alcohlic consumption
d - No alcohol on duty
e - No involvement in any gambling activity

There was also a separate sign that says 'No Smoking', but I saw 2 active smokers, 1 in uniform....... Maybe it was meant for visitors. I dare not ask.

Met an American who went to the same primary school as Kristine when he was in Beijing some years ago. He came to register 'within 24 hrs' of returnig to Beijing. He said he never used to do that. I asked him why the urgency. He said he now works as a journalist for AP and cannot afford any problem with his visa. Spoke fluent Chinese, and sent his two daughters to local schools.

Another highlight of the afternoon is a visit to a wet market nearby, mainly to get some kids clothes repaired by a tailor. We saw a big rat sniffing around a tofu stall, unattended. Kristine's immediate reaction: "Ratatouille!"

On way home, Kristine and Kimberley stopped by the playground to have some snow fights with Scarlet and Jenny. They were all targetting Grace! Dinner was homecooked. Spaghetti Carbonara with added onion, garlic and sliced mushrooms. Kimberley couldnt wait for eveyone to sit down before she started her dinner. "This is so yummy", she said. The day ended on a high note.