More power, but don't add more trouble.
(Baonghean) - Hearing that National Assembly delegates were discussing and considering whether or not to increase the powers of commune police, I immediately went to "Google" and typed in the words "commune police". Immediately, a series of results appeared in the search bar, such as "commune police beating people", "commune police illegally handcuffing people", "commune police acting arbitrarily by spraying tear gas on passersby", and "commune police beating someone to death at the station"... Adding the words "beating people" also yielded approximately 34,900,000 results in just 0.03 seconds.
Looking at those numbers suddenly sends shivers down my spine. Articles 82 and 101 of the current Criminal Procedure Code only stipulate that the responsibilities and authority of commune police are limited to handling reports and apprehending criminals in the act, yet the situation is already like this. I wonder what will happen if they are given additional authority such as taking statements, searching persons, drawing crime scene diagrams, seizing, temporarily detaining, and preserving related objects and documents...? That's not to say I have any prejudice or bias against commune police, but simply worry. Because of my profession, I've witnessed many instances of behavior that are quite offensive and irritating, exceeding their authorized functions and powers, demonstrating a lack of understanding, disregard for legal regulations, and contempt for the people whenever incidents occur. Some officers act like little gods, causing fear among the villagers. Especially in remote and isolated areas, the abuse of power by this force is quite common.
In reality, they are not inherently malicious, but rather lack a full understanding of their assigned authority and responsibilities. Their knowledge of the law and police procedures is very limited. Meanwhile, they are equipped with various tools, leading many to show off their power, immediately brandishing handcuffs, rubber bullet guns, or stun batons at the slightest provocation. Then, when faced with a stubborn or hot-tempered individual, they lose their composure and resort to physical violence with their available tools. Ultimately, this results in minor injuries and, in severe cases, death. There have been instances of innocent civilians dying unjustly due to the beatings inflicted by local police officers.
To be fair, the commune police force plays a very important role in maintaining security and order at the grassroots level. Given the current situation, without granting them more authority, it would be difficult for them to bring about positive changes in crime prevention and control at the commune and ward levels. However, careful consideration is needed, along with effective preventative measures against abuse of power, so that increased authority does not lead to increased problems.
Confidant