On November 1, 1949, the Ministry of Public Security was established. Led by Luo Ruiqing, armed with their own version of the mass line, and dominated by a myriad of party committees offering comprehensive leadership, the central concern of this ministry was to defend both party and state. It is clear, however, that party defense dominated the agenda. Party leadership is maintained within the force through a shadow structure of party committees that parallel each level of the public security str…