Senior party official Zhou Yongkang urged police officers nationwide to be ready for challenges next year at a meeting Friday.

"In the year 2009, the country will face severe challenges in economic and social development," said Zhou, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

Police officers will have to work with stronger resolution and a firmer fist and do a better job than the year 2008, he said.

Zhou appreciated their performance this year in face of "serious challenges one after another".

He promised more investment in local police stations to improve their facilities, hire more officers and increase their salary and improve welfare.

Local police organs shall also improve their own capability to protect security and stability as well as handle accidents, he said.