The Vietnamese government is set to implement significant changes within its public security sector, marking the most extensive reform to the Ministry of Public Security since 2017. Effective March 1, 2025, the ministry will adopt a new organizational structure aimed at streamlining operations and improving efficiency.
At the recent press conference, Deputy Minister of Public Security, Trần Quốc Tỏ, emphasized the positive reception the ministry has received from the Politburo, Central Committee, and other authorities. The Deputy Minister announced, "The Ministry of Public Security has received high praise for leading the reform of its organizational structure; since 2017, the Ministry has undergone three significant restructuring processes." This indicates the government's commitment to enhancing national security and public service delivery.
The reorganization will involve the transfer of specific responsibilities to the Ministry of Public Security from various ministries, particularly focusing on drug rehabilitation, driver license management, and the state management of judicial records. Hoàng Anh Tuyên, Deputy Chief of Office and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Public Security, remarked, "The new model will operate with the objective of reducing intermediaries and facilitating more direct engagement with the public." This change, according to Tuyên, aims to eliminate redundant layers and simplify bureaucratic processes within law enforcement agencies.
According to the recent Government Decree No. 02/2025/ND-CP, the Ministry has outlined its forthcoming responsibilities, which will include:
- The management of cyber information security, transitioning this duty from the Ministry of Information and Communications.
- The responsibility for air transport security has shifted from the Ministry of Transport, with operational oversight designated to local police departments.
- The oversight of drug rehabilitation services is now under the purview of the Ministry, enhancing the focus on public health related to substance abuse.
- Taxi licensing and civil documentation tasks have also been reassigned to streamline operations.
This restructuring aligns with broader government initiatives aimed at improving public safety and responsiveness, reducing bureaucratic hurdles encountered by citizens. With this consolidation, local police units will reduce from three tiers to two, with provincial and community levels remaining as the primary interaction points for public services.
By reassessing the hierarchy and operational structure of the police forces, the initiative also aims to address what local officials identified as bureaucratic inefficiencies. At the press conference, Deputy Minister Trần Quốc Tỏ expressed his hope for media collaboration, stating, "We wish media organizations will support the Ministry of Public Security to disseminate accurate and effective information to the public. This is to prevent hostile forces from exploiting our efforts to sow discord and misinformation." This call reflects the heightened awareness of the media's role as both informers and influencers within society.
Local governments, as seen in Lào Cai Province, have already begun facilitating the transfer of responsibilities. Specifically, the provincial government has moved tasks such as driving license tests and judicial record management from other departments to the police force, thereby enhancing service efficiency. At the handover, local officials including the director of the police department, Đại tá Cao Minh Huyền, reinforced their readiness to implement these reforms, emphasizing the importance of adhering to legal standards.
Overall, this restructuring is highly praised politically and publicly for promising comprehensive improvement within Vietnam's law enforcement operations. The changes are not only expected to bolster public safety but also encourage more proactive and efficient service to the populace. With less bureaucratic red tape, the Ministry is committed to higher levels of engagement with citizens, which could redefine public trust and satisfaction with law enforcement services.
The transition is underway, and local officials have expressed confidence about this new operational period. The adjustments expected across all levels of public security will be closely monitored as the Ministry of Public Security seeks to align its functions with current and future challenges, ensuring the effective delivery of security services to Vietnamese citizens.