On February 28, 2025, significant structural changes within Vietnam's public security framework were announced, signaling the end of district-level police across the nation starting March 1, 2025. This shift, emphasized by Senior Lieutenant General Trần Quốc Tỏ, Deputy Minister of Public Security, will see the transfer of the 53 distinct functions and missions previously held by district police to provincial and local police forces.
During the press briefing, General Tỏ addressed the media, explaining the government's Decree No. 02/2025/ND-CP, which outlines the new functions, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Public Security. He noted, “The reorganization arises from new mission requirements for public security, including the need for greater efficiency and the integration of innovative practices.”
The transition away from district-level police aims to streamline operations and improve efficiency at the provincial and local levels. According to Lieutenant Colonel Phạm Quang Tuyển, Deputy Director of the Personnel Organization Department, the restructuring reflects real-world experiences where local police have effectively fulfilled public safety needs, addressing many administrative procedures for the community and businesses.
“Rethinking local police structures allows for the strengthening of frontline forces, enhancing resources allocated to community safety, and focusing on modernizing equipment and capabilities,” said Lieutenant Colonel Tuyển. This initiative is aligned with the resolutions established by the Politburo aimed at developing the police forces to be more efficient and responsive.
The legislative transition will maintain the responsibilities of public security without interruption. Functions will be adopted based on existing needs, ensuring clear legal compliance to facilitate smoother operations for citizens and businesses alike. General Tỏ assured the public, stating, “This direction is not only necessary but also widely supported by community opinions.”
A pivotal element of the restructuring is the elevation of the roles of communal police leaders. Lieutenant Colonel Tuyển outlined plans for empowering police chiefs at local levels with additional responsibilities and authority to improve effectiveness. This approach ensures leaders are selected based on comprehensive assessments of their capabilities, experiences, and past performances, promoting meritocracy within the ranks.
“We are moving forward with assessments to streamline leadership, ensuring those chosen can handle their expanded roles effectively,” said Tuyển. “This is about building trust between communities and their police.”
The groundwork for this extensive reorganization has already commenced. More than 1,900 police units have been dissolved or restructured, effectively preparing the ministry for the adoption of this two-tiered model of policing. General Tỏ explained how past consolidations had already significantly reduced bureaucratic layers within the police forces, fostering agility and responsiveness to public safety concerns.
Negotiation for officer placements is also underway. Many officers have opted for early retirement or agreed to lower positions to facilitate the streamlining process. “A total of 290 officers from various leadership positions requested to transition to new roles, with policies implemented to support these shifts as prescribed by the law,” confirmed General Tỏ.
The ministry emphasizes maintaining public safety and service continuity during this transition. According to the plan, local police will take full responsibility for law enforcement and administrative duties, directly engaging with the community, and enhancing communication channels for crime reporting. Citizens will be able to report incidents either directly or through the ministry’s VNeID application.
General Tỏ affirmed, “The ultimate goal is to eliminate gaps during this restructuring, ensuring no loss of functionality or service. The community confidence in these changes is valuable, and we are committed to transparency and effectiveness.”
Local police, upon the abolition of district police, will have expanded jurisdiction and will inherit the responsibility for numerous missions to maintain public order and safety. Specifically, the police at all levels will need to handle increased administrative loads related to public service efficiently.
At the quarterly press briefing, reported by the Ministry of Public Security, various questions were addressed about how the new structure would impact existing relationships among police, courts, and legal institutions concerning criminal investigations and reported crimes. The restructuring plan aims to solidify the collaborative framework between local police and legal institutions, avoiding disruption to inter-agency cooperation.
The community reaction has largely been positive, with many recognizing the need for modernization within public safety initiatives. The expectation is for improved responses to local needs, potentially leading to more trust and closer relationships between law enforcement and community members.
Moving forward, the Ministry plans to launch multiple training initiatives for police officers to bridge knowledge gaps pertinent to their roles under the new structure. According to General Tỏ, “These changes represent not just operational shifts but also significant cultural changes within the organization, placing community-centric service at the forefront.”
With these strategic changes being put in place, Vietnam is poised to redefine its public security framework, meeting contemporary challenges with novel approaches aimed at strengthening community safety and trust.