BEIJING, April 2 -- A total of 1,422 policemen and women received service awards for their outstanding contribution to China's border control, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) said Tuesday.

The awards were granted to police personnel serving in border areas under harsh conditions, the NIA statement said.

They consist of three levels, the golden ones for police personnel in service for 30 years, the silver ones for those in service for 20 years and the bronze ones for those in service for 10 years, the statement said.

The NIA has granted the awards annually since last year. As of now, 9,909 police men and women have received the awards.