People's Armed Police

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.