Hanoi is about to undergo a major transformation within its law enforcement structure as the city reports it will no longer have police departments at the district level starting March 1, 2025. This change results from the implementation of Plan 270, which aligns with the Central Police Party Committee's Plan 282 aimed at streamlining local police organization and operations.
On February 27, 2025, the Hanoi Public Security Department (CATP) officially announced the retirement of 23 high-ranking officials, including unit leaders and district police chiefs. The retirement ceremony was held under the leadership of Lieutenant General Nguyễn Hải Trung, the Director of CATP, along with key officials from various city government and party organizations.
"The restructuring is not just about personnel but also about how we can remain effective and responsive to community needs," said Lieutenant General Trung during the ceremony. He emphasized the importance of adapting the police structure to current public security demands, stating, "This initiative will improve our operational capacity and bring policing closer to the grassroots level of society."
The changes outlined by Plan 282 mandate the dissolution of district-level police forces, with the aim of creating more streamlined operations focused at the provincial and community levels. Under this new model, local police departments will be empowered to tackle public security issues from the ground up, enhancing their responsiveness and effectiveness.
Starting from January 2025, the CATP set the groundwork for this transformation by issuing Plan 270, which includes specific tasks for party units and leadership figures within the police. The plan highlights the importance of collaboration across all levels of the police force to create unity of purpose and action. This comprehensive assessment of needs encompasses human resources, financial assets, and necessary logistics to facilitate the transition.
Per the information from the CATP, they managed to complete the second phase of Plan 270, deploying resources from district police to city-level departments and making necessary transfers to community police.
Notably, the restructuring prompted requests for early retirement from 25 department heads and district chiefs as well as from eight deputy chiefs. Many of these officials are seasoned professionals who have served with distinction and achieved commendable results throughout their careers. Their voluntary retirements are seen as models of responsibility under the new reformist approach.
"This voluntary retirement showcases our officers' commitment to reforming the security sector," General Trung remarked. "It reflects their dedication to the principles of our party and their willingness to facilitate these changes for the greater good."
During the ceremony, Deputy Colonel Nguyễn Bình spoke on behalf of the retiring officers, expressing heartfelt gratitude to colleagues and local party committees for their support throughout their service. He noted, "Even as we step back, we intend to contribute our experience to the newer generations of leaders tasked with upholding public security."
For these retiring officials, this transition not only marks the end of their service but opens new avenues for participation back home. Many intend to stay active within their communities, providing guidance to local authorities and engaging citizens to bolster collective security efforts.
Meanwhile, as the restructuring progresses, CATP aims to maintain high standards for police performance and public trust by ensuring operational effectiveness and integrity throughout all levels of the organization. The leadership reassures the public of their commitment to fight crime and implement community-oriented policing strategies.
Hanoi’s police restructuring signifies more than just administrative changes; it is indicative of the broader drive for modernization within Vietnam’s public security sector. This evolution aims to create law enforcement bodies with enhanced capabilities to address modern-day challenges, offering more localized and efficient responses to citizens' needs.
The coming weeks will be pivotal as the remaining police officials adapt to their new roles and responsibilities, ensuring the smooth implementation of the new police structure. With renewed focus and determination, Hanoi's public security intends to move forward, bolstering safety and order across the city.