Peaceful "on the docks and on the boats" in the coastal commune.
Once a hotspot for security and order issues, plagued by crimes such as theft, gambling, and intentional assault, the coastal commune of Quỳnh Lập (Hoàng Mai town) has undergone a remarkable transformation. Behind the peaceful atmosphere "on the docks and in the boats" lie the tireless efforts of the regular police force – those who silently protect the peaceful lives of the people.
Khanh LyMarch 19, 2025
Returning from a long sea voyage, Mr. Le Van Duc, owner of fishing boat NA 90208 in Quynh Lap commune, happily stated: "Each lunar cycle, we go out to sea for about 15-18 days. Besides strictly complying with regulations on marine resource exploitation, as the boat owner, I also commit to the authorities to properly manage the 9 workers on board, ensuring no incidents occur that could affect security and safety at sea."
During our voyages at sea, we regularly update ourselves on new policies and regulations via radio, Zalo, and Facebook through the Fishermen's Association group. In addition, thanks to the regular police force's constant presence in the villages and on the boats, combining propaganda with deterrence and strict enforcement, the problem of drunkenness, fighting, and other disturbances among fishermen returning to shore has significantly decreased; giving families and boat owners peace of mind.
That is also the general assessment of many households in the villages of Quynh Lap commune regarding the improvements in security and order since the arrival of the regular police force in the commune.
Located in the northeastern part of Hoang Mai town, this coastal commune covers a total area of 2,208 hectares and has a population of 3,015 households and over 13,000 people, living in 8 villages divided into two separate areas. Besides bordering the communes of Quynh Loc, Quynh Phuong, and Quynh Lap, three villages also border Nghi Son town in Thanh Hoa province.
The people mainly rely on fishing and overseas labor export. Due to the specific characteristics of the area, the security situation in this coastal commune was previously complex, with prominent issues including gambling, alcoholism, intentional injury, and public disorder.
In light of this situation, the regular police force deployed to the communes has spent considerable time in the area to understand the reality on the ground, listen to the thoughts, aspirations, difficulties, and obstacles of the people. From there, they promptly advise and propose solutions to the local Party committee and government, preventing the formation of "hot spots" regarding security and order.
Captain Van Duc Du, Head of the Quynh Lap Commune Police, said: "Due to the unique characteristics of coastal areas, people often finish school early, frequently spend long days at sea, and rarely participate in meetings or activities. Therefore, raising awareness and promoting compliance with the law among the people is not easy."
With the motto "prevention is key," the police force regularly coordinates with the local political system to promote propaganda through the public address system; at the same time, it applies digital technology to enhance propaganda through social media, through the channels of associations and the Fisheries Association.
On the other hand, the security news and legal information sections on the official website of the People's Committee of the commune (quynhlap.gov.vn) also promptly update new policies, regulations, and laws, as well as warn about issues related to high-tech fraud and illegal emigration. Through this, people are encouraged to strictly abide by policies and laws, actively engage in fishing and honest work.
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In addition, the commune police force closely coordinated with the Fatherland Front of the commune to organize the forum "Police listen to the people's opinions," receiving dozens of opinions on the security and order situation in the area, focusing on issues such as: karaoke singing in some families affecting neighbors; selling goods of unknown origin and quality at school gates; the problem of illegal markets in some villages; the situation of not wearing helmets and setting off firecrackers during the traditional Tet holiday... from which timely corrective measures were implemented.
The handling of offenders in accordance with the law is also strictly enforced to increase deterrence. In 2024, the Quỳnh Lập Commune Police arrested and transferred to higher-level investigative agencies 3 cases involving 4 individuals related to the illegal buying, selling, and possession of narcotics and fraud; handled 1 case involving 1 individual for illegal manufacturing of firecrackers; 1 case involving 1 individual for illegal possession of firecrackers; 2 cases involving 5 individuals for drunkenness causing public disorder; and advised the Commune People's Committee on handling 8 individuals for violations of food safety and hygiene regulations and environmental regulations.
In addition, the unit coordinated with local authorities to inspect and remind 05 billiard halls and 01 karaoke establishment in the area; and successfully confiscated 02 swords, 02 knives, 15 firecrackers, 02 homemade shovels, and 01 homemade alcohol gun.
Furthermore, thanks to many decisive and effective measures, along with the involvement of the local Party committee and government, in 2024, Quynh Lap was recognized as a "drug-free" commune. Currently, there are no drug addicts or complex drug hotspots in the area.
The peace and security that the coastal commune of Quỳnh Lập enjoys today is also thanks to the active cooperation of the commune's police force in building and effectively maintaining models of nationwide security protection.
Notable examples include: a security camera system with over 30 cameras installed in densely populated areas and intersections; a Veterans' Club model for ensuring security and order; a model for educating and assisting people recovering from drug addiction to reintegrate into the community; neighborhood fire prevention and control groups; a model for educating students on law compliance and life skills in schools; a model of the Association of Former Public Security Officers involved in ensuring security and order; and residential areas free from crime and social vices…
In particular, as a commune with a large fishing fleet of 186 vessels over 15 meters (each vessel employing approximately 10 workers), the police force and the commune government focus on promoting the "Safe Fishing for Peaceful Seas and Islands" model to support fishermen in their fishing activities; and at the same time, raise fishermen's awareness of protecting maritime sovereignty.
Accordingly, each boat is a living landmark at sea; each captain is an advocate, encouraging fishermen to comply with policies, laws, and regulations, prohibiting the use of explosives and electric shock devices in fishing; and preventing illegal fishing activities…
In a conversation with us, the Chief of Police of Quynh Lap Commune, Van Duc Du, also emphasized the role of security and order protection teams at the grassroots level. These teams not only work alongside the commune police in maintaining local security and order, but also serve as a bridge between the government and the community.
For example, Mr. Hoang Van Quy (61 years old) - Head of the security and order protection team in Tam Tien village. Mr. Quy said: Since its establishment, he and the members of the team have regularly coordinated with the commune police to patrol and control; prevent and resolve incidents related to security and order in the area; and participate in mediating conflicts among the people.
In 2024, the commune police force and local security and order teams worked closely with the local Party committee and government to launch intensive campaigns to clear traffic safety corridors; and persuaded 15 households doing business along the main roads to stop encroaching on traffic safety corridors.
According to local authorities, due to its high population density and limited land, Quynh Lap commune still faces many complexities related to land encroachment and disputes. In 2024, there were 11 cases of land law violations in the area. The commune's police force promptly identified these cases, advised the local government to prepare dossiers, and processed 6 cases immediately upon initial signs of violation; persuaded 3 families to rectify the consequences and return the land; and prevented the emergence of hotspots affecting security and order in the area. With these continuous efforts, the Quynh Lap commune police force was awarded a Certificate of Commendation by the Minister of Public Security for its contributions to the "For National Security" movement.
Mr. Vuong Dai Tuong, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Quynh Lap commune, assessed: Since being deployed to the grassroots level, the regular commune police force has actively stayed close to the people and the local area, stabilizing the rural security situation. In addition, the commune police force has actively supported the locality in disseminating legal information and building exemplary models in the fight against crime and social evils. The peace and security "on the riverbanks and in the villages" has created favorable conditions for the locality to focus on building new rural areas and promoting socio-economic development in the area.
