As part of these changes, commune-level police officers will be granted additional authority and responsibilities for handling administrative procedures and ensuring security and order in their areas. Rather than being a burden, this shift presents an opportunity for local police to strengthen their roles in maintaining security and providing better services to the community.

To facilitate more convenient services for the public, especially now that there are no longer district-level police departments, the Ministry of Public Security has delegated substantial responsibilities to the commune-level police. In areas with the capacity, commune police will handle up to 35 types of administrative procedures and online public services in areas such as immigration management, national identification card issuance, electronic verification, the regulation of businesses related to security and order, and vehicle registration. This decentralization not only alleviates the workload of provincial police but also reduces the time and travel costs for residents who need to complete everyday tasks.

After the restructuring, the Na Ư commune Police in Điện Biên district quickly stabilized its operations and effectively adapted to the new tasks. Police officers have proven themselves to be key players in ensuring security, providing administrative services, and supporting local governance. Major Lê Đức Nhật, Head of the Na Ư commune Police, said: “With more authority and tasks, we faced challenges in the beginning. There was pressure as we started managing more administrative procedures and handling complex cases at the grassroots level. However, with the timely support from the provincial police and encouragement from local authorities, we have managed to overcome these initial obstacles.”

Similarly, the Trung Thu commune Police in Tủa Chùa district quickly adapted to the new system. Trung Thu, located in a mountainous area with a large Mông ethnic minority population, has many villages scattered far from the commune center. In the past, accessing public services and receiving feedback from residents was difficult. However, since commune-level police servicemen have been granted more responsibilities, residents in Trung Thu can now handle many administrative procedures locally without traveling to the district.

Captain Giàng A Vảng, Deputy Head of the Trung Thu commune Police, shared: “Previously, people had to go to the district to apply for ID cards, register vehicles, or verify documents, which took a lot of time. Now, at the police station, we can receive and process documents, input data into the system, and support residents quickly. This is a big and very practical change.”

Increasing the authority and responsibilities of commune-level police also presents challenges, particularly in terms of difficult terrain, limited equipment, and infrastructure. However, the provincial police have proactively developed plans to support local forces, from training and professional development to providing appropriate equipment.

“Since receiving additional responsibilities, our police force has been trained in basic professional skills, how to handle crime scenes, and how to work with the community. With a large and dispersed population, the commune police’s ability to address situations locally saves time and allows for quicker responses, especially in emergency cases,” said Captain Vảng.

Điện Biên, a mountainous and border province with strategic national defense and security importance, faces complex security challenges, including drug crimes, human trafficking, and illegal religious activities. In this context, commune-level police are not only a crucial extension of the Party and government at the grassroots level but also the frontline in preventing and combating crimes and violations. Since the restructuring, the commune-level police in Điện Biên have efficiently adapted to their new responsibilities, contributing to political stability and maintaining social order.

Nguyễn Văn Luyển, Vice Chairman of the Pom Lót commune People’s Committee, said, “Streamlining the administrative structure has been a significant breakthrough, effectively implemented by the local police. Since taking on their new tasks, the commune police have ensured local governance, providing prompt and timely services, which has helped strengthen the local ‘All people protect the national security’ movement.”

From Na Ư to Trung Thu, it is clear that increasing the authority and responsibilities of commune police is not just a change in administrative structure, but a comprehensive transformation in how services are provided to the public. Their close connection with the people ensures the community can live in peace and work to build a new life, contributing to the stability and sustainable development of the local area.