Recently, police station courtyards in many areas have transformed into grain-drying grounds. Officers and auxiliary police have become agricultural assistants, skillfully spreading, turning, and raking grain with both efficiency and warmth. The usually solemn police stations now carry a touch of rustic life against the backdrop of golden rice.
Three station chiefs have carried on this tradition over a decade. The Wushi Police Station of Huangshan Public Security Bureau in Anhui Province has opened its courtyard to help villagers dry grain. Since the station relocated in 2016, for a full ten years, three successive chiefs have held fast to this single meaningful task: offering the courtyard to local farmers to solve their autumn harvest drying challenges.
"After harvesting, the biggest worry was finding space. My home courtyard was too small, and drying by the roadside meant fearing cars running over it or rain ruining it. Every year was nerve-wracking," local farmers recalled about their past struggles. "Come dry it in our courtyard!" The flat, sunny, and open concrete grounds of the police station proved ideal for grain drying. A decade ago, the station established this heartwarming measure, voluntarily setting aside open areas as temporary drying space for villagers without affecting police duties. This practice has been passed down and maintained continuously by three station chiefs without interruption.
"So thoughtful and reassuring!" farmers praised the station's considerate gesture. When weather suddenly turned, there was still corn left to collect! Due to mountainous terrain, drying space was scarce for locals. The Qiyunshan Police Station in Xiuning County, Anhui Province, proactively opened its courtyard to nearby farmers. As heavy rain approached, officers rushed out to help gather the grain, quickly covering and protecting it. The farmers expressed their gratitude repeatedly.
A heartwarming harvest protection scene unfolded at the Sanjie Police Station in Mingguang City, Anhui Province. Villagers were drying corn in front of the station under clear skies when rain threatened. Shouting "The weather's turning, corn still needs collecting!" they hurried to save the grain. Police officers sprang into action, working together to sweep, bag, and stack the corn, completing everything before the rain arrived and safeguarding the villagers' hard-earned harvest.
"The courtyard is spacious, fellow villagers are welcome to dry grain here!" At the Zhonggang Police Station in Yihuang County, Jiangxi Province, a prominent banner at the entrance reads warmly. Inside, a convenience board states: "Drying permitted, no loud noise, hot water, air conditioning, and rest available." These simple words represent both a reminder and the station's sincere openness. Villagers noted: "Drying rice here is truly convenient. We leave tools without worry of theft, have hot water when thirsty, and can rest with air conditioning. Officers also help collect and bag grain. This is genuine service for the people."
When officers encounter villagers drying or carrying grain during patrols, they stop to assist and patiently advise: "Drying on the road is dangerous with heavy traffic. Better to bring grain to the station courtyard where it's safe and worry-free." These warm words bring comfort to villagers. Beyond designated drying areas, officers actively help with drying and loading while conducting safety education on drowning prevention, traffic safety, anti-fraud, and fire prevention.
Rapeseed drying season also saw station courtyards utilized. In Jiang'an County, Sichuan Province, officers from the Simianshan Police Station discovered villagers drying rapeseed on the road during patrols. Given heavy traffic, the round, slippery seeds posed a serious hazard for vehicles. Recognizing the farmers' practical need for drying space, officers proposed moving the crop to the station's open courtyard. After reaching agreement, they helped sweep the road, bag the seeds, transport them, and evenly spread them in the yard for optimal sun exposure. By dusk, all was gathered and neat. "Thanks to you, I no longer worry about drying grain! It's a hundred times safer than the roadside," one farmer expressed gratefully.
This modest grain-drying area embodies deep police-civilian affection, becoming the most reliable "safe granary" during harvest season.