Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - National Police mark 77th year

National Police mark 77th year

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Interior minister Sar Kheng (centre) and National Police chief Neth Savoeun (right) at the ministry in February of last year. Hong Menea

National Police mark 77th year

The National police forces have done great work and can look back with pride on its many achievements, especially at a time when the country was at the risk of the Covid-19 pandemic, said Minister of Interior Sar Kheng during the May 16 celebration of National Police Day.

In a letter marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the National Police, Sar Kheng said the police had shouldered the burden of many crucial tasks and played a central role in guaranteeing stability, security and public order. They had fulfilled their obligations while actively fighting against the pandemic, he added.

According to the letter, the National Police had come into existence on May 16, 1945 under the auspices of the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk, with the aim of strengthening security and public and social order.

“Although Cambodia has maintained a good security environment, the police remain a leading force in guaranteeing peace for the people and protecting national security, which are the foundations of national development in all sectors,” it said.

Sar Kheng said that this year, the National Police must continue adhere to their mission to address the challenges posed by regional and global insecurity, as well as transnational crime. He singled out drug offences, human trafficking – especially the trafficking of women and children – and cybercrime for special attention, saying they still occurred and concerned the public.

“I firmly believe that the police force will continue to enhance its potential and grow with honour, dignity, and stand firmly as the pillar of security and social order, while serving the interests of the people and the nation under all circumstances,” he added.

National police chief Neth Savoeun expressed his deep gratitude to each of the nation’s officers, including those retirees who had made many brave sacrifices without consideration for their own happiness and lives, and who had made countless achievements for the cause of homeland security.

He said that in 2021, they had protected the safety of the public at 12,180 major national and international events.

He added that the security and social order situation has improved over time. Criminal offences had dropped six per cent. The number of road accidents had dropped 17 per cent, with fatal accidents down nine per cent and injuries 23 per cent.

He continued that this year, the global security situation continued to change in a complex ways, some of which may directly or indirectly affect the Kingdom. Over the next year, he noted, a number of national and international political events will be held in Cambodia.

“A number of challenges will continue to arise, so all police forces are required to remain attentive and alert. They must strictly implement every important plan, measure or campaign issued by the government and the interior ministry to guarantee a warm atmosphere of safety and security,” Savoeun said.

MOST VIEWED

  • 12th Cambodia int’l film festival to see return of Hollywood star

    Phnom Penh is set to come alive with the magic of cinema as the highly anticipated 12th Cambodia International Film Festival (CIFF) takes centre stage. Boasting an impressive line-up of 188 films from 23 countries, including captivating shorts, feature films, documentaries and animation, the festival promises an

  • Bareknuckle champion wants Kun Khmer fighter

    Dave Leduc, who is the current openweight Lethwei boxing champion in Myanmar, has announced that he will travel to Cambodia this year to challenge SEA Games gold medallist Prum Samnang any time that is convenient, after their planned match later this month in Slovakia was

  • Brawl marrs football final as Indonesian take gold in seven goal thriller

    The Indonesian men's U22 men national football team were crowned champions of the 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia, defeating Thailand 5-2 in extra time on May 16 at Olympic National Stadium in Phnom Penh. The match was marred by an ugly incident that occured in the 91

  • Fresh Covid warnings as Thai hospital fills

    A senior health official reminds the public to remain vigilant, as neighbouring countries experience an increase in Covid-19 cases, with the latest surge appearing to be a result of the Omicron XBB.1.5 sub-variant. Or Vandine, secretary of state and spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health,

  • 1.4 billion dollar Phnom Penh-Bavet expressway due in four years

    The Government, through the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, has officially signed a public-private partnership agreement with a private company for the construction of a Phnom Penh-Bavet Expressway project that will connect the capital to Svay Rieng province. The budget for the project is

  • New Law on Taxation comes into effect

    Cambodia has enacted the eagerly-awaited new Law on Taxation, which aims to improve the national tax regime’s compliance with present and future international standards and economic conditions; encourage accountability, effectiveness and transparency in the collection process; and promote investment in the Kingdom. King Norodom