Dong Thap: Positive Changes from Community Reintegration Policies

(DTO) On the morning of April 22, the Dong Thap Provincial Police Department held a conference summarizing five years of implementing Decree No. 49/2020/ND-CP (dated April 17, 2020) of the Government, detailing the implementation of the Law on Criminal Judgment Execution regarding community reintegration and reviewing two years of implementing Decision No. 22/2023/QD-TTg (dated August 17, 2023) of the Prime Minister on credit support for individuals who have completed their prison sentences. 

Major General Lam Phuoc Nguyen, Member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee and Director of the Provincial Police Department, chaired the conference. Also attending were leaders of provincial departments, agencies, and representatives from 102 communes and wards across the province. 

Over the course of implementation, community reintegration efforts in the province have seen many positive changes, making an important contribution to early and long-term crime prevention and ensuring local security and order. 

According to statistics, Dong Thap receives between 2,000 and 3,000 individuals returning to their localities after completing prison sentences each year. In response, police forces at all levels have actively advised local People’s Committees to promptly deploy and strictly implement legal documents related to community-based criminal judgment execution and community reintegration. 

Provincial departments, agencies, and mass organizations have also been mobilized to coordinate in strengthening the management, education, and support of individuals serving community-based penalties and those returning from prison. 

Several community reintegration models have been maintained and proven effective, notably the Community Reintegration Development Fund and the Reformed Citizens Clubs. Since 2014, the Community Reintegration Development Fund has approved loans for 955 cases with a total revolving capital of over 30.82 billion VND. The province currently maintains 68 Reformed Citizens Clubs with 810 members. Among them, 264 individuals have been approved for loans totaling more than 8.7 billion VND. 

At the conference, delegates candidly pointed out shortcomings and limitations in implementing community reintegration policies, while proposing practical and dedicated solutions to enhance effectiveness in the coming period. 

In his concluding remarks, Major General Lam Phuoc Nguyen acknowledged and highly appreciated the responsible and serious spirit demonstrated by participants throughout the conference. 

He emphasized that community reintegration for individuals who have completed their prison sentences is a task of profound political and social significance, reflecting the humanitarian nature of the Party and State’s policies. It is also an important solution for early and long-term crime prevention, contributing to maintaining security and order and supporting local socio-economic development. 

Major General Lam Phuoc Nguyen affirmed that immediately after the conference, the Provincial Police Department will compile all recommendations and integrate them into work programs and plans; translate them into key tasks; and proactively coordinate with relevant departments and commune-level People’s Committees to continue effectively implementing criminal judgment execution, community reintegration, and credit policies for those who have completed their prison sentences. 

On this occasion, in recognition of outstanding achievements over five years of implementing Decree No. 49 and two years of implementing Decision No. 22, the Dong Thap Provincial People’s Committee awarded Certificates of Merit to five collectives and ten individuals, and the Provincial Police Department awarded Certificates of Commendation to seven collectives and fifteen individuals. 

By TUAN LAM
Translated by ANH DUC