On January 10, 1953, the Lai Châu provincial Party Committee (now Điện Biên) decided to establish the Lai Châu provincial Department of Public Security. At that time, manpower was scarce, equipment lacking, the terrain vast and rugged, and some areas were still occupied by the enemy. The French colonialists and reactionary forces plotted to turn Điện Biên Phủ into a military stronghold, destabilizing security. In that context, provincial police officers and soldiers united as one, rooted themselves in the grassroots, relied on the people, and cooperated with armed forces to suppress reactionaries, dismantle espionage networks, protect logistics, and secure the transport of weapons and food supplies for the Điện Biên Phủ Campaign, contributing to the historic victory that “resounded across five continents and shook the globe.”

After the campaign, while victory was achieved, political security in the early post-liberation years remained extremely complicated. In many highland areas, reactionaries incited riots and attempted to establish “autonomous kingdoms.” The provincial police proactively contained unrest, maintained order, and created favorable conditions for socio-economic recovery and development.

During the U.S. escalation of destructive warfare in the North, provincial police protected key facilities, depots, and vital transport routes, while simultaneously fighting espionage and commando infiltrations. After peace was restored, Điện Biên remained a frontline province in protecting the northwest border. Police forces persistently stayed at the grassroots, dismantling reactionary organizations and sabotage networks, advising on strengthening local governance, and building the “All-People’s National Security Protection” movement in tandem with socio-economic development.

In the era of renewal, the Điện Biên Police Department aunched multiple high-intensity campaigns to crack down on crime, particularly transnational drug crimes. As a border province adjoining Laos and China, the force investigated and dismantled numerous large-scale drug networks, while also breaking up human trafficking and smuggling rings. In criminal justice, the provincial police maintained proactive and rapid responses, achieving an annual clearance rate of over 90%, and 100% for serious and particularly serious crimes, ensuring no wrongful convictions and no criminals evading justice. Many grave cases were swiftly resolved right from the grassroots level. These achievements affirmed the bravery and wisdom of the Điện Biên Police Department, safeguarding peace for the people. All major political, cultural, and social events of the province and the nation were absolutely secured.

Alongside the fight against crime, the police force has always viewed mass mobilization as the “key” to ensuring security. The image of police officers and soldiers, braving sun and rain, wading streams and climbing forests to help people build solidarity houses, eliminate temporary shelters, conduct timely rescues, and support disaster recovery in Mường Pồn, Si Pa Phìn, Tìa Dình, Na Son, and Mường Luân, has strengthened the people’s security posture.

Facing new tasks, the Điện Biên Police Department are implementing comprehensive measures in line with Resolution No.12-NQ/TW of the Politburo on building a truly clean, strong, regular, elite, and modern People’s Public Security force. The organizational structure has been streamlined; grassroots forces, especially in border communes, have been reinforced; equipment and combat means are gradually modernized. Training quality for officers has continuously improved; digital transformation has been accelerated in management and operations; complex cases have been resolved early, from the grassroots, preventing hotspots from arising.

Every victory of the Điện Biên Police Department over the past 72 years has stemmed from the trust and support of the people. The force has deeply internalized President Hồ Chí Minh’s teachings: taking the people’s peace as the highest measure; proactively assessing situations early and from afar; never being passive or caught off guard. The spirit of “serving the people” shines through in the heroic sacrifices of martyrs such as Hero of the People’s Armed Forces Khoàng Văn Tấm, martyrs Hà Ngọc Thao, Phạm Thanh Bình, Phạm Văn Cường, and Đỗ Quang Khánh… Today, thousands of police officers remain steadfast in their posts, living and working closely with the people, showing ingenuity and courage, and achieving numerous feats in all areas of work.

With great contributions over 72 years, the Điện Biên Police Department have been honored with many noble awards from the Party and the State, including two Hồ Chí Minh Orders; seven First-, Second-, and Third-class Military Exploits Orders; 27 First- and Second-class Victory Orders; 20 First- and Second-class Fatherland Protection Orders; and 23 Government’s Emulation Flags. Notably, three collectives and four individuals have been conferred the title of Hero of the People’s Armed Forces.

Eighty years of tradition of the People’s Public Security and 72 years of building and growing for the Điện Biên Police Department have been a journey of resilience, dedication, and deep bond with the people. Each victory, each sacrifice has further enriched the glorious tradition, nurturing the will of “proactivity, discipline, responsibility, and effectiveness.”

With renewed momentum and determination, the Điện Biên Police Department strives to remain the “steel shield” at the nation’s border gate, protecting peaceful lives and contributing to building a prosperous and civilized Điện Biên.