During a recent visit to Dong’an County in Yongzhou, Hunan, the “Close-up on Fengqiao” network activity team investigated how local law enforcement and community leaders are collaborating to resolve enterprise disputes and enhance the business environment. Their focus was on the Lu Hong City Police Station and its efforts to support economic development.
Over the past few years, Lu Hong City Police Station has embraced the “Fengqiao Experience” in the new era, implementing a comprehensive “1+6+N” system, which includes the integration of party building with public safety, law enforcement, community management, and social governance. This approach aims to ensure that conflicts are resolved at the grassroots level, maintaining peace and delivering consistent services to protect the tranquility of the historic town.
The police station has established a dynamic mediation workspace featuring the “Five Elders” of the legal system, a group of senior volunteers dedicated to resolving complicated social disputes that require specialized legal knowledge. Qin Sanmei, the deputy director of the police station, explained that these mediators also provide legal advice, clarify laws, analyze cases, and promote legal awareness in rural areas, schools, and enterprises.
One case that caught the team’s attention involved a local brand’s intellectual property. In October 2023, Lan Zhengyong, the owner of the “Lan’s Authentic Dong’an Chicken” brand, reported to the police that a couple was using his brand to market their products without permission. The investigation revealed that they were struggling with their own store’s sales and decided to adopt the established brand in hopes of improving their business.
Mediator Wu Youxin from the “Five Elders” team approached this couple along with representatives from the county’s market supervision department. Through a meaningful dialogue outlining the risks of trademark infringement and its impact on the local industry’s health, they not only conveyed the legal consequences but also facilitated a change of heart. Lan Zhengyong even went the extra mile by sharing his cooking techniques, inspiring the couple to commit to creating their own unique brand of Dong’an Chicken.
Lan Zhengyong expressed his appreciation for the assistance provided, noting, “The ‘Five Elders’ have also helped us resolve disputes with suppliers and partners. Their expertise and extensive experience have effectively addressed many challenging issues, further enhancing the business environment.”
Additionally, station chief Zhang Bo highlighted the implementation of a “one enterprise, one police officer” policy, assigning experienced officers as project liaisons who provide tailored support to local businesses. Over the past year, this initiative has successfully resolved numerous enterprise-related conflicts, earning widespread acclaim from companies. Notably, during the construction of the Shenhua power plant, the police effectively mediated land acquisition and construction disputes, ensuring the smooth progression of the project.
In recognition of its efforts, Lu Hong City Police Station was designated as one of the second batch of “Fengqiao-style Public Security Stations” in the province in 2022, also receiving accolades as an advanced unit in political and legal work, a leading collective in promoting safety in Yongzhou, and a model for youth civility.
