Socialization of crime prevention and control: From the people, thanks to the people

Crime is a historical phenomenon of class nature, reflecting opposition to the interests of the State and society. Therefore, the prevention and fight against crime has always been of concern to the State. In Vietnam, the crime situation in recent years has been quite complicated with the number of crimes and criminals increasing. Notably, many crimes have not been detected, causing great damage to the State and society in terms of property, security, politics , order and environment.

In that situation, the Party and the State attach importance to crime prevention, following the words of President Ho Chi Minh : “Trial is good, but if there is no trial, it is even better”. Crime prevention and detection are increasingly important, bringing higher efficiency when preventing crimes from their source. This helps reduce costs and human resources for the crime prevention system.

The combination of mass power in crime prevention has proven to be highly effective. In its professional activities, the specialized force in the fight against crime is the People's Public Security force, which is stipulated by the 2018 Law on the People's Public Security to carry out basic measures in the fight against crime, in which mass mobilization measures play an important role, creating the foundation for other measures.

Crime prevention drill. Illustration photo: baochinhphu.vn

Mass mobilization measures in the police work are the use of forces, means, and methods to propagate,educate , guide, mobilize and organize the masses to participate in protecting national security, maintaining social order and safety, especially in crime prevention. Mass mobilization in crime prevention plays an important role, demonstrating the promotion of socialist democracy in state management activities on security, order, social safety, and the fight against crime.

Promoting the role of the masses in the fight against crime is a consistent viewpoint of our Party and State, reflected in most documents on the fight against crime such as:

- Resolution No. 09/1998/NQ-CP on strengthening crime prevention and control in the new situation has determined "Building and implementing a mechanism to promote the combined strength of the entire political system, promoting the revolutionary movement of the entire people, enhancing the responsibility and proactive role of sectors, unions, social organizations and people of all walks of life to participate in preventing, detecting and fighting against all types of crimes and social evils" and "Continuing to mobilize the masses to build a movement for the entire people to participate in preventing, detecting, denouncing and fighting against crimes and social evils".

- Directive 48/CT-TW dated October 22, 2010 of the Party Central Committee on strengthening the Party's leadership in crime prevention and control in the new situation clearly stated: "Mobilize the widespread and active participation of mass organizations and people in crime prevention and control. Enhance the effectiveness of the mass movement to protect national security; consolidate and continue to build the people's security posture, especially in large cities, towns, land and sea borders. Organize commitments and emulation covenants to build families, residential areas, communes, wards, towns, agencies, units, enterprises, schools... to ensure security and order".

- Decree No. 06/2014/ND-CP dated January 21, 2014 of the Government on measures to mobilize the masses to protect national security and maintain social order and safety stipulates that "Measures to mobilize the masses to protect security and order are the mobilization and use of the strength of agencies, organizations and individuals to participate in the work of protecting security and order".

The police force coordinated with relevant agencies to propagate crime prevention and control to all classes of people in the area. Photo: congan.ninhbinh.gov.vn

The role of the masses in crime prevention is very important, not only because they are an important source of information to help detect and denounce crimes, but also because their active participation creates a solid security posture. The socialization of the fight against crime is an urgent requirement in the current context when the authorities can hardly ensure the effectiveness of security and order protection work alone.

To improve the effectiveness of mass mobilization work, the following measures can be implemented:

Firstly, strengthen propaganda and legal education for people: Propaganda helps to improve understanding of policies, laws and regulations related to security and order, thereby raising people's sense of responsibility in crime prevention. Propaganda also helps the masses understand their role in protecting national security, detecting and denouncing crimes and participating in movements to protect national security. Training skills for mass organizations in the fight against crime also needs to be focused on, helping them to effectively participate in activities to protect security and order in the locality.

Second, diversify the forms of receiving and processing denunciations: Authorities need to build effective and accessible channels for receiving information on crime denunciations, while ensuring confidentiality and rights for the denouncer. In addition to using traditional channels, it is necessary to take advantage of information technology so that people can report violations of the law anytime, anywhere, creating convenience in receiving information from the community.

Third, building self-management models for security and order in the community: Self-management models for security and order such as "Self-management groups for security" or "Mass movement to participate in protecting national security" will help promote the proactive role of people in preventing and fighting crime. The masses can coordinate with the police force in detecting and preventing crime right from the beginning. At the same time, this model also contributes to raising awareness and community spirit in maintaining security and order in residential areas.

Fourth , improve the effectiveness of state management of security and order: Administrative reform in security and order protection is an important requirement to improve management effectiveness. Local authorities need to improve working methods, reduce cumbersome administrative procedures, and enhance coordination between functional agencies and the masses. The application of modern management tools will help functional agencies work more effectively, and at the same time, people will feel more comfortable participating in security and order protection activities.

Fifth , judicial reform and enhanced coordination among judicial agencies: Judicial agencies such as the Police, the Procuracy, and the Court need to closely coordinate in the fight against crime. Ensuring that the investigation and trial of crimes are fair, quick, and effective is an important factor in helping the masses trust the legal system and be willing to participate in reporting crimes. Along with that, training and capacity building for judicial staff is necessary to increase work efficiency.

Sixth , promote international cooperation in crime prevention and control: In the context of globalization and the increase of transnational crimes, international cooperation is indispensable. Exchanging information and learning international experiences in the fight against crime, especially cybercrime, drugs, and organized crime, will help improve the effectiveness of national security protection.

These measures will help the masses become a strong force in protecting national security and social order, while creating a safe and healthy living environment for the community.

MSc. Doan Thi Phuong - Judge of Hanoi Capital Military Court

Source: https://baophapluat.vn/xa-hoi-hoa-cong-tac-phong-chong-toi-pham-tu-nhan-dan-nho-nhan-dan-post545649.html