Vietnam People's Public Security

Vietnam People's Public Security. It is the principal police and security agency of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, operating under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the command of the Government of Vietnam. The force is responsible for maintaining domestic security, social order, and safety, and functions as a core component of the People's Army of Vietnam in protecting the socialist regime. Its establishment traces back to the August Revolution and it plays a critical role in national defense alongside institutions like the Vietnam People's Navy and the Vietnam Border Guard.

History

The foundation of the force was laid on 19 August 1945, during the August Revolution, with the establishment of the People's Public Security of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Its early development was closely tied to the First Indochina War against French colonial forces and the subsequent Vietnam War, where it engaged in counter-espionage and security operations. Key figures in its formative years included Lê Giản and Trần Quốc Hoàn. Following the Fall of Saigon and Reunification Day, it was unified into a national organization. The force was officially given its current title by the 1992 Constitution of Vietnam and its legal mandate was further codified by the Law on People's Public Security 2018.

Organization and structure

The force is organized as a centralized, nationwide system under the direct command of the Ministry of Public Security in Hanoi. The ministry is headed by a Minister, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of Vietnam, such as Tô Lâm. Its two main professional branches are the People's Police of Vietnam, responsible for policing and criminal investigation, and the People's Security Service, focused on state security and intelligence. The structure extends to provincial-level Public Security Departments and district-level stations, with specialized units like the Cybersecurity and High-Tech Crime Prevention Department and the Fire and Rescue Police Department.

Functions and duties

Its primary functions are to ensure political stability, protect national security, and maintain social order and safety. This includes preventing and combating crimes, terrorism, and activities deemed threatening to the state, as defined by the Penal Code of Vietnam. The force manages immigration and residency through the Immigration Department of Vietnam and oversees fire prevention and fighting. It also plays a significant role in cyber security, monitoring internet activities and combating cybercrime under the guidance of the Cybersecurity Law of Vietnam. Furthermore, it provides security for important political events, leaders, and diplomatic missions such as the Embassy of the United States, Hanoi.

Ranks and insignia

The rank system is divided into three main categories: commissioned officers, non-commissioned officers, and enlisted personnel, mirroring the structure of the People's Army of Vietnam. The highest rank is the General, awarded to the Minister. Officer ranks include Colonel General, Lieutenant General, Major General, Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel, Major, Captain, Senior Lieutenant, and Lieutenant. Insignia are worn on shoulder boards and incorporate symbols like the national emblem and stars. Distinctive uniforms and badges are used for different branches, such as the Traffic Police and the Mobile Police Command.

International cooperation

The force actively engages in bilateral and multilateral security cooperation to combat transnational crime and terrorism. It is a member of the INTERPOL and the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime. Key bilateral partnerships include collaborations with the Ministry of Public Security of China, the FSB of Russia, and the Cambodian National Police. It participates in joint training exercises, information sharing, and extradition processes, and works with agencies like the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime on issues such as drug trafficking and human smuggling.

Category:Law enforcement agencies of Vietnam Category:National security of Vietnam Category:Government of Vietnam