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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.