Law enforcement in Vietnam

Law enforcement in Vietnam is primarily administered by the Ministry of Public Security through the People’s Public Security Forces, a uniformed state body responsible for maintaining public order, enforcing the law, and protecting national security. The force also undertakes criminal investigations covering a wide range of offenses, including economic crimes and activities considered threats to state security. As part of the People’s Armed Forces, it combines conventional policing functions with intelligence and internal security responsibilities under the centralized authority of the one-party state that is the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV).

Vietnam People's Public Security is a part of Vietnam People's Armed Forces, it includes two branches:

Vietnam People's Police
Vietnam People's Security Force

Organizational structure

thumb|352x352px|[[Thanh Xuân Police box.(2017)]]

National level

At the apex of the hierarchy is the Ministry of Public Security, a cabinet-level body responsible for:

National policing policy
Internal intelligence and counterintelligence
Counterterrorism and counter-subversion
Cybersecurity and information security
Immigration and border control
Criminal justice administration

The Ministry of Public Security is headed by a minister who reports to the national government and party leadership. Under the ministry are numerous general departments and specialized bureaus responsible for distinct operational domains, including economic crime, drug enforcement, technical surveillance, and public security intelligence.

Mobile Police and Special Weapons and Tactics units

thumb|Mobile Police parading celebrating the Millennial Anniversary of Hanoi (2010)

Vietnam’s closest equivalent to SWAT forces operates under the Mobile Police Command, a rapid-response paramilitary branch of the People’s Public Security Forces. These units are trained and equipped for counterterrorism, riot suppression, hostage rescue, and high-risk armed operations.

The Mobile Police Command reports directly to the Ministry of Public Security and maintains regional regiments positioned for rapid deployment nationwide.

Revolutionary foundations (1945–1954)

Vietnam’s contemporary law enforcement institutions emerged during the August Revolution of 1945, when revolutionary authorities established security organizations to defend the newly proclaimed Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Early public security units were tasked with counter-espionage, protection of revolutionary leaders, suppression of armed opposition groups, and maintenance of civil order in areas under revolutionary control.

Security personnel frequently operated in wartime environments. Their duties included identifying infiltrators, dismantling clandestine networks, securing supply routes, and enforcing administrative directives issued by revolutionary committees.

The law was changed in 2009, to decriminalize drug use, effective 2010; this triggered a change to one of a harm reduction model.

References

External links

Website of The Vietnam People's Police (In Vietnamese)