Grassroots-level police adapt fast to post-merger challenges

ĐBP - As the key force in maintaining local security and order, commune-level police in Điện Biên have rapidly adapted to new administrative boundaries following the province’s recent restructuring. With broader areas and denser populations to manage, these units have been reinforced in both personnel and resources to meet rising demands.

Following the administrative reorganization, Điện Biên now has 45 communes and wards, with corresponding adjustments made to local police staffing. The number of regular officers assigned to commune-level units has been increased to ensure sufficient capacity for maintaining grassroots security and public order.

Adapting quickly to new situation

Across Điện Biên, local police stations have become noticeably busier. Officers are balancing the reorganization of personnel and office space with ensuring uninterrupted public service. At the Sam Mứn commune police station, one of the newly established administrative units, the urgency and professionalism of officers are clear as they process paperwork, resolve daily issues, and assist local residents.

The Sam Mứn commune Police assists residents with administrative procedures.

Major Nguyễn Thanh Phương, Chief of the Sam Mứn commune Police, explained: “Sam Mứn was formed by merging Pom Lót and Na Ư communes, covering 156.12 square kilometers and serving 8,183 residents. Our unit has 30 officers, organized into five specialized teams. From day one, we prioritized stability and efficient service. We assigned tasks based on each officer’s strengths, and launched outreach campaigns to inform residents about the two-tier local government system. At the same time, we ensured our office was fully equipped to provide smooth administrative services.”

Similarly, in Thanh Yên commune, local police officers have been working swiftly to reorganize their operations and set up their new office following the merger, while continuing to stay closely connected to the grassroots to promptly handle emerging issues and prevent potential hotspots of public disorder.

Major Nguyễn Mạnh Cường, Deputy Chief of the Thanh Yên commune Police, shared: “Thanh Yên was established through the merger of three former communes in the old Điện Biên district: Thanh Yên, Noong Luống, and Pa Thơm. After the reorganization, the new commune spans 130.10 square kilometers and is home to over 15,626 residents across more than 3,900 households. Our police force consists of 28 officers, tasked with maintaining security and order across a large, densely populated area with diverse characteristics.

Despite many challenges, officers remain committed to their duties. In the photo: Major Nguyễn Thanh Phương reviews case files.

From the moment we took up our new duties, we moved quickly to assess the situation on the ground, manage household records, and encourage residents to continue participating in the “All-people movement for national security protection”. Despite the recent restructuring, we’ve worked to ensure continuity in maintaining public order and to give people peace of mind during this transitional phase.

At the same time, we have actively advised local party and government leaders on plans to uphold security and prevent potential hotspots or complex issues at the grassroots level. With strong leadership and a high level of determination, our officers are committed, innovative, and dedicated to their responsibilities - true to our guiding principle: wherever we’re needed, the police are there; wherever it’s difficult, the police step in.”

Strengthening grassroots-level security

Under the new two-tier governance model, district-level police departments have been dissolved, with many responsibilities now falling directly to commune-level forces. These include handling administrative tasks like issuing and renewing ID cards, registering digital identity accounts, updating residency status, and managing citizen data in the national database. This decentralization makes it easier for residents to access services without traveling long distances, saving both time and money.

Policemen of the Thanh Yên commune police at their office.

Major Phương noted: “Previously, commune police would only receive crime reports, conduct initial interviews, and forward the case to district-level investigators. Now, we’re authorized to open files, conduct preliminary investigations, and gather evidence before transferring cases to higher authorities.” He cited a recent case as an example: “At around 7 A.M. on July 4, a fire broke out in Sam Mứn. Our officers responded immediately, working with the provincial fire department to extinguish the blaze and launch a preliminary investigation.”

Resident Nguyễn Văn Tuấn from Team 9, Sam Mứn commune, expressed appreciation: “The police officers were clear and helpful when I came to confirm my residency status. Before, I had to go to the district center for this, which took time and money. Now everything can be handled right here, it’s much more convenient. Commune police are close to the people, they know the area, and they play a key role in preventing and fighting crime while also connecting the government with the public.”

The Sam Mứn commune Police collaborates with provincial investigators in the initial response to a July 4 fire.

In the wake of these administrative changes, commune police are doubling down on their role as the frontline defense in local security. With larger areas and more complex communities to manage, they are working to detect and resolve potential issues early, before they escalate. Officers are also stepping up public education efforts, raising awareness of laws and encouraging community involvement in crime prevention. The focus is on fostering a grassroots security network where residents are empowered to report suspicious activity and contribute to the safety of their neighborhoods. By doing so, authorities aim to create a stable, secure environment that supports the province’s ongoing socioeconomic development.

Quang Hùng
Comment

You have 500/500 characters left

Please enter 5 or more characters!!!

Recent news

  • 'Think first: Sharing personal info online can cost you!

    Think first: Sharing personal info online can cost you!

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - Social media has become an inseparable part of daily life for many people, offering convenience, connectivity, and instant updates. But alongside its benefits, careless use, especially oversharing personal information, can create major security risks amid the ongoing nationwide restructuring of administrative divisions.
  • 'Grassroots-level police adapt fast to post-merger challenges

    Grassroots-level police adapt fast to post-merger challenges

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - As the key force in maintaining local security and order, commune-level police in Điện Biên have rapidly adapted to new administrative boundaries following the province’s recent restructuring. With broader areas and denser populations to manage, these units have been reinforced in both personnel and resources to meet rising demands.
  • 'Điện Biên’s border guards build firm whole people’s border defense posture

    Điện Biên’s border guards build firm whole people’s border defense posture

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - As the rainy season peaks, remote mountainous and border areas in Điện Biên province take on a silvery hue. Torrential rains pour down relentlessly, accompanied by gusts of howling wind through the forest. Already isolated, these borderlands now feel even more distant. Yet amid the overcast skies, the green uniforms of border soldiers bring a spark of life and hope, helping locals weather the storm.
  • 'Điện Biên encourages responsible consumer behavior

    Điện Biên encourages responsible consumer behavior

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - In recent times, the commodity market across Điện Biên province has remained stable in terms of prices and supply of essential goods. This positive outcome is largely due to the active efforts of functional forces in combating counterfeit goods, trade fraud, and smuggling, contributing to overall market stabilization.
  • 'Expanding area of fruit trees in Pu Nhi

    Expanding area of fruit trees in Pu Nhi

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - Capitalizing on local climate and soil advantages, many localities in recent years have actively encouraged people to shift from cultivating low-yield crops on sloping land to planting fruit trees. This approach helps diversify agricultural products and promotes socio-economic development.
  • 'Greater challenges, greater goals

    Greater challenges, greater goals

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - Once the second commune in former Mường Ảng district to complete all 19 criteria of the New-style Rural Development Program, Búng Lao commune, Điện Biên province is now embarking on a broader, longer journey. This is not only part of the government’s effort to streamline administrative units and consolidate the political system, but also marks the start of a new chapter in rural development, with greater ambitions and greater challenges.
  • 'Điện Biên needs standard football fields

    Điện Biên needs standard football fields

    CULTURE - TOURISM -
    ĐBP - Football is a sport with strong appeal, connecting communities and igniting dreams in many young people and teenagers. However, in our province, there is a severe shortage of standard football training grounds. This is one of the factors hindering the development of grassroots sports in local areas across the province.
  • 'Supporting household businesses in implementing new tax policies

    Supporting household businesses in implementing new tax policies

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - Recently, various new tax policies have been implemented, directly impacting households and individual businesses across the province. To help them understand and comply with the regulations, the Điện Biên provincial Tax Department has stepped up communication efforts, providing support and favorable conditions for household and individual businesses to apply the new tax policies.
  • 'Setting good examples in daily life

    Setting good examples in daily life

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - Being exemplary in both words and actions; uniting and guiding local people in building a strong bloc of great national solidarity in their communities, these are vivid expressions of the spirit of exemplary conduct among grassroots level officials, Party members, and reputable individuals. From daring to think, to take action, to take responsibility without fear of hardship or difficulty, many local leaders have become solid pillars of support, creating trust and spreading positive influence in the community.
  • 'Special class for those who once lost their way

    Special class for those who once lost their way

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - As the sun rises, the sounds of spelling out the alphabet echo from a small room inside the Điện Biên provincial Drug Rehabilitation Center. It’s the sound of a special class, a literacy class for those who once strayed from the right path and are now carefully rewriting their lives with white chalk and a blackboard.
  • 'Challenges of “green lungs” protection during rainy season

    Challenges of “green lungs” protection during rainy season

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - During the rainy season, when the mountains and forests of Điện Biên province are drenched in prolonged downpours, the forest rangers cannot afford to let their guard down in forest management and protection. Facing countless hardships, slippery, treacherous roads, poor living conditions deep in the forest, the spirit of these forest guardians remains optimistic. They give their all to patrol and protect the “green lungs” in the Westernmost region of the country.
  • 'Digital backbone powers two-tier local government in Điện Biên

    Digital backbone powers two-tier local government in Điện Biên

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - A modern, synchronized, and secure telecommunications and IT infrastructure has become the backbone of the two-tier local government model now being implemented in Điện Biên province. This digital foundation ensures smooth, transparent, and efficient government operations amid a nationwide digital transformation.
  • 'Điện Biên effectively applies science and technology in crop production

    Điện Biên effectively applies science and technology in crop production

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - By fully leveraging local potential and applying scientific and technological advances to production, Ngô Xuân Đức, a resident of Huổi Phạ village, Điện Biên Phủ ward, Điện Biên province has successfully implemented a hydroponic melon farming model in a net house, achieving remarkable economic results.
  • 'A new chapter of development begins

    A new chapter of development begins

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - All 45 newly restructured communes and wards across Điện Biên province have officially begun operating under the two-tier local government model, marking a major step forward in administrative reform. This transition, backed by the active engagement of the entire political system, the efforts of local authorities, and the support of the people, aims to realize the goals of streamlined, efficient governance that serves the public.
  • 'Supporting small traders in tax reform transition

    Supporting small traders in tax reform transition

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - Lump-sum taxation has long been a common method for collecting taxes from small and informal household businesses in Vietnam. However, this model is increasingly seen as outdated, lacking transparency and fairness. In response, a shift toward taxation based on actual revenue, linked with e-invoices generated from point-of-sale (POS) systems, marks a breakthrough in tax reform. Yet, the transition has posed challenges for many traders in Điện Biên province, who are unfamiliar with digital tools and new processes. Prompt and close support from tax authorities is crucial to help small business owners embrace change and feel secure in their operations.