A solid foundation in building "people's hearts and minds"

On the 80-year journey (August 19, 1945 - August 19, 2025), the Vietnam People's Public Security force has gone through many historical stages; always affirming its core and pioneering role in the cause of protecting the Party, protecting the Fatherland and keeping people's lives peaceful. On that journey, one of the factors of strategic significance, sustainable and long-term is the security and order protection force at the grassroots level - ordinary, silent people who play an important role, a solid support in building a "people's heart position", contributing to protecting national security and social order and safety.

The security force at the grassroots level and the Traffic Police force of Can Tho City Police regulate traffic on major holidays in the city.

Born during the resistance war against the French, the security and order protection force at the grassroots level originated from the militia and self-defense forces to maintain security in villages. Through historical stages, this force has been increasingly consolidated, becoming an "extended arm" for the government and the police force in protecting security and order in the locality. In the current situation, facing many new security challenges, the role of the local force, close to the people, and understanding the people is increasingly affirmed.

In order to meet the requirements of the new mission, on July 1, 2024, Can Tho City Police officially launched a grassroots security force from the civil defense forces, part-time commune police, militia and exemplary citizens. The establishment of this force is a strategic step, demonstrating a long-term vision in building a people's security posture, focusing on the grassroots, the people's hearts as the root, the foundation for building a disciplined society and sustainable development. After more than a year of operation, the grassroots security force has gradually affirmed its role as an "extended arm" of the police force, contributing to bringing positive changes in ensuring security and order at the grassroots level.

Although not wearing police uniforms and not enjoying a full-time regime, this force always works side by side with the regular police day and night, supporting the maintenance of security and order; actively grasping the local situation, reconciling conflicts, propagating and mobilizing people to comply with the provisions of the law. In particular, the force coordinates with the regular police to patrol, ensuring security and safety for people during peak periods, holidays, Tet, or local cultural and political events. Promoting the core role in the movement of All People Protecting National Security, the local security force always accompanies the locality to reform violators, support reintegration into the community, and build a safe and civilized living environment.

Not only focusing on improving the quality and efficiency of operations, Can Tho City Police also pays special attention to and cares for the lives of the security and order protection forces at the grassroots level, especially those in difficult circumstances. Timely gifts, meaningful visits during holidays, Tet or when sick, in trouble... along with recognition through forms of commendation and rewards have become a great source of encouragement, adding motivation for the force to complete their tasks well.

President Ho Chi Minh once advised, “A hundred times easier without the people, it is bearable; a thousand times harder, it is possible with the people.” The consolidation of the security and order protection force at the grassroots level is the realization of the policy of building a “people’s heart position” from the trust, consensus, and responsibility of each citizen. “People’s heart position” is not only a political concept, but also a process of cultivating trust between the government and the people, between the police and the community. When the people understand, believe, and act together, it is a solid “soft shield” to protect security at the grassroots level.

In the context of the complicated developments in the world and the region, promoting the role of the security force at the grassroots level is not only an urgent requirement but also a proactive step of the Public Security sector in maintaining security from the place closest to the people. In recent times, Can Tho City Police have been implementing many specific and appropriate solutions, such as training in law and situation handling skills; building models suitable for each locality; praising advanced models; strengthening the connection between regular police and local forces. Thereby, forming a widespread security network, creating a continuous battle from the government to each citizen, is a vivid demonstration of the policy of strongly promoting the "battle of people's hearts".

During the 80-year journey of being closely attached to the people, the People's Public Security force has persistently fostered the belief that "coming from the people, serving the people". During that journey, the security and order protection force at the grassroots level has contributed to keeping the people safe. Looking forward to the 80th anniversary of the founding of the People's Public Security force (August 19, 1945 - August 19, 2025) is not only an opportunity to look back on the glorious past, but also an opportunity to honor the ordinary but responsible people who have silently built and maintained the "people's hearts" day and night right from the grassroots level. That is a valuable internal resource, the foundation for the People's Public Security to continue to firmly step on the journey towards a stable, peaceful and sustainably developed society.

Article and photos: THANH XUAN

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/diem-tua-vung-chac-trong-xay-dung-the-tran-long-dan--a188343.html