Lei Min, a special policewoman and national political advisor, in a photo with police officers of Mauritius. [Photo/xinhuanet.com]

If unaware of her reputation as China's No. 1 policewoman, many would see Lei Min as any other female of a quiet disposition.

Lei, who holds a world police record of climbing five floors in 57 seconds, joined the army in 1990 and became one of the country's first special policewomen the following year.

Then began her devotion to the special task force and a life closely linked to the army.

Among all the honors she has won and missions she has participated in, "what impressed me most in my career as a special policewoman is the experience as a coach appointed to Mauritius," Lei recalled.

"It was different from what was normally required as routine and could be accomplished as long as we kept bravery, wisdom and discretion in mind," said Lei.

In 1996, she was sent to the island nation in the Indian Ocean to help train its police force. The job is demanding, both physically and mentally.

"Even in my early twenties, I knew that working overseas not only concerned my personal honor, but also that of my country because each and every move would represent the level of the country's police force as a whole," she said.

To fully prepare for whatever challenges she might encounter, she scheduled more intense training during the two years in Mauritius to enhance her fighting capability. "I would have felt I did not deserve my uniform if I let any challenger beat me, and there was no one, fortunately," she smiled.

Having fulfilled her duty, Lei was praised by Mauritius' then prime minister and the country's police commissioner and won the highest police honor of the country.