The Vietnam Ministry of Public Security’s Institute of Criminal Science is accelerating the modernization of forensic operations through 2030, aiming to reduce investigation turnaround times and integrate advanced genetic databases. The initiative follows a mid-year review held on July 6, where officials confirmed that forensic evidence remains a primary pillar in supporting criminal prosecutions and maintaining public order across the nation.
Modernization Strategy and Legislative Framework
The Institute of Criminal Science has positioned itself as a central coordinator for law enforcement, driving strategic adjustments to forensic workflows. According to the Ministry of Public Security, the government is currently implementing the "Project for Modernization of Forensic Science within the People’s Police" for the 2026–2030 period.
This modernization push is supported by several key mandates:
- Decision No. 08: Signed on January 10, 2026, this directive formally adjusts the 2026–2030 modernization roadmap for forensic police work.
- Plan No. 399: Issued by the Ministry’s staff on May 21, 2026, this plan focuses on strengthening capacity for forensic examinations, forensic psychiatry, and mandatory psychiatric treatment systems.
- Directive No. 54: Issued by the Politburo on November 30, 2025, this directive emphasizes the strengthening of Party leadership in forensic examination and asset valuation, which the Ministry’s Central Party Committee translated into Action Program No. 07 on February 12, 2026.
Efficiency Gains in Criminal Investigations
Forensic units have prioritized the reduction of processing times for evidence, a move intended to provide faster support to investigative agencies and prosecutors. During the mid-year review, leadership highlighted that the integration of technical measures at crime scenes has directly contributed to higher efficiency in case resolution.
The Institute is also expanding its technical capabilities through the implementation of "Project 29/2023." This project includes specialized training in trauma forensics and crime prevention techniques, alongside the systematic expansion of genetic databases. A significant portion of this work involves the collection and analysis of biological samples, including efforts to identify remains of soldiers, as outlined in Plan No. 51 of the Central Public Security Party Committee.
International Cooperation and Future Objectives
Beyond domestic mandates, the Institute has increased its engagement with international partners to share forensic expertise. Official reports indicate active cooperation with agencies in Russia, Belarus, and South Korea to refine investigation techniques and forensic standards.
Looking toward the second half of 2026, the Institute’s leadership has defined seven key tasks to address existing operational hurdles. These include:
The Ministry maintains that these technical improvements are essential for the ongoing "For National Security" and "Top Three" emulation movements, which serve to incentivize performance among police units. By aligning forensic resources with the broader strategic goals of the Ministry of Public Security, the Institute aims to finalize its 2026 objectives despite the compressed timeline for the remainder of the year.