Circular No. 18/2020/TT-BCA on the implementation of democracy in fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue work of the People's Public Security Forces

CIRCULAR

Provisions on the implementation of democracy in fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue work

Law on Fire Prevention, Firefighting, and Rescue Operations dated November 29, 2024;

Pursuant to the Law on Fire Prevention and Fighting dated June 29, 2001 and the Law amending certain articles of the Law on Fire Prevention and Fighting dated November 22, 2013;, amended and supplemented by Decree No. 109/2025/NĐ-CP and Decree No. 193/2025/NĐ-CPm, amended and supplemented by Decree No. 109/2025/NĐ-CP and Decree No. 193/2025/NĐ-CP sung, một điềuNo. của Luật phòng cháy và chữa cháy ngày 22 tháng 11 năm 2013;

Pursuant to the Law on Access to Information dated April 6, 2016;

Pursuant to the Law on People's Police dated November 20, 2018;

Pursuant to Resolution No. 55/NQ-UBTVQH10 dated August 30, 1998 of the Standing Committee of the National Assembly on the issuance of the Regulations on the Implementation of Democracy in the Activities of Agencies;policiessố 55/NQ-UBTVQH10 ngày 30 tháng 8 năm 1998 của DECREES:Pursuant to Decree No. 04/2015/NĐ-CP dated January 9, 2015 of the Government on the Implementation of Democracy in the Activities of Administrative State Agencies and Public Service Units;ângười chủ trong hoạt động của cơ quan;

Pursuant to DecreeNo. Pursuant to Decree No. 83/2017/NĐ-CP dated July 18, 2017 of the Government on the Work of Rescue and Assistance by Fire Prevention and Fighting Forces;on Pursuant to Decree No. 01/2018/NĐ-CP dated August 6, 2018 of the Government on the Functions, Tasks, Authorities, and Organizational Structure of Fire Prevention and Fighting Forces;

Considering the proposal of the Director of the Fire Prevention and Fighting Police Department;ứThe Minister of Public Security promulgates this Circular on the Implementation of Democracy in Fire Prevention, Fighting, and Rescue Work of the People's Public Security Forces.

Pursuant to DecreeNo. This Circular stipulates the purpose, principles, and content of implementing democracy within Fire Prevention and Fighting Police units and Public Security units assigned to perform fire prevention, fighting, and rescue work; the implementation of democracy in relations and handling matters between Fire Prevention and Fighting Police units and Public Security units performing fire prevention, fighting, and rescue work with relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals.of the Government stipulating functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Home Affairsu t, amended and supplemented by Decree No. 109/2025/NĐ-CP and Decree No. 193/2025/NĐ-CP organization of the Ministry of Public Security;

This Circular applies to Public Security units and localities; officers and soldiers of the People's Public Security Forces performing fire prevention, fighting, and rescue work; agencies, organizations, households, and individuals operating within the territory of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (collectively referred to as agencies, organizations, and individuals) that have rights and obligations related to fire prevention, fighting, and rescue work.

Article 3. Purpose of Implementing Democracy in Fire Prevention, Fighting, and Rescue Workon 1. To promote the people's right to self-governance; to mobilize agencies, organizations, and individuals to actively participate in fire prevention, fighting, and rescue work according to the principle: "people know, people discuss, people act, people inspect, and supervise" as prescribed by law.ng2. To contribute to building a clean, strong, regular, efficient, and modern Fire Prevention and Fighting Police force; to prevent acts of arbitrariness, corruption, harassment, inconvenience, and infringement upon the legitimate rights and interests of agencies, organizations, and individuals.

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

3. To enhance the initiative of public security officials, civil servants, and employees; to raise the responsibility of leaders and heads of agencies and units in preventing, blocking, and combating acts of corruption and waste.

Article 2. Applicability

Article 4. Principles of Implementing Democracy in Fire Prevention, Fighting, and Rescue Work

1. To comply with the Constitution, laws, and regulations of the Ministry of Public Security on fire prevention, fighting, and rescue work.

2. To ensure democracy and the legitimate rights and interests of agencies, organizations, and individuals in the field of fire prevention, fighting, and rescue.

3. Strictly prohibit any actions that abuse democracy to obstruct the lawful enforcement activities of the Public Security, Fire Prevention and Fighting Police, and agencies, organizations, and individuals performing fire prevention, fighting, and rescue work. Serious and just punishment shall be meted out for violations of laws on fire prevention, fighting, and rescue.

IMPLEMENTATION OF DEMOCRACY WITHIN FIRE PREVENTION AND FIGHTING POLICE UNITS AND PUBLIC SECURITY UNITS ASSIGNED TO PERFORM

FIRE PREVENTION, FIGHTING, AND RESCUE WORK

1. Tuân thủ Hiến pháp, pháp luật và các quy định của Bộ Công an về công tác phòng cháy, chữa cháy và cứu nạn, cứu hộ.

2. Bảo đảm dân chủ, quyền, lợi ích hợp pháp của cơ quan, tổ chức, cá nhân trong lĩnh vực phòng cháy, chữa cháy và cứu nạn, cứu hộ.

3. Nghiêm cấm mọi hành vi lợi dụng dân chủ cản trở hoạt động thực thi pháp luật của Công an, Cảnh sát phòng cháy và chữa cháy, cơ quan, tổ chức, cá nhân thực hiện công tác phòng cháy, chữa cháy và cứu nạn, cứu hộ. Xử lý nghiêm minh hành vi vi phạm pháp luật về phòng cháy, chữa cháy và cứu nạn, cứu hộ.

Chapter II

SPECIFIC PROVISIONS

Section 1

THỰC HIỆN DÂN CHỦ TRONG NỘI BỘ ĐƠN VỊ CẢNH SÁT PHÒNG CHÁY VÀ CHỮA CHÁY VÀ ĐƠN VỊ CÔNG AN ĐƯỢC GIAO THỰC HIỆN

CÔNG TÁC PHÒNG CHÁY, CHỮA CHÁY VÀ CỨU NẠN, CỨU HỘ

Article 5. Responsibilities of the Heads of Fire Prevention and Fighting Police Units and Public Security Units assigned to carry out fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue work

1. Directing and organizing the implementation of professional tasks:

a) The Head of the Fire Prevention and Fighting Police Unit and the Public Security Unit carrying out fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue work shall be responsible for assigning officers and soldiers to positions ensuring the necessary number, matching their capabilities and job requirements; they shall be responsible for inspecting and urging officers and soldiers under their management to fulfill their duties in accordance with the laws and regulations of the Ministry of Public Security;

b) Promoting administrative reform, resolutely eliminating intermediate stages, cumbersome procedures, overlapping procedures, and unnecessary documents to facilitate agencies, organizations, and individuals;

c) The Head of the Fire Prevention and Fighting Police Unit and the Public Security Unit carrying out fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue work shall bear responsibility for any misconduct in the work of officers and soldiers under their management or for situations where the unit fails to handle related procedures in accordance with regulations. Upon discovering officers and soldiers lacking responsibility, causing inconvenience, harassment, or corruption in performing their duties, the Head of the Unit has the right to take action or propose timely measures according to the law and regulations of the Ministry of Public Security.

2. Contents that the Head of the Fire Prevention and Fighting Police Unit and the Public Security Unit carrying out fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue work must disclose to officers and soldiers:

a) Annual, six-monthly, quarterly, and monthly work programs and plans of the unit;

b) Internal rules and working regulations of the unit, responsibilities, authorities of unit leaders, teams, and officers and soldiers; work processes; administrative procedure handling processes in the field of fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue;

c) Results of handling complaints, petitions, and reports, and cases of corruption and embezzlement within the unit;

d) Financial revenues and expenditures of the unit as prescribed;

đ) Management and usage regulations for firefighting and rescue equipment;

e) Results of adopting suggestions from officers and soldiers on matters within the decision-making authority of the Head of the Fire Prevention and Fighting Police Unit and the Public Security Unit carrying out fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue work;

g) Other contents deemed necessary by the Head of the Unit, but not contrary to the provisions of the law and regulations of the Ministry of Public Security.

3. Methods of disclosure to officers and soldiers:

Based on the actual conditions of the unit, characteristics, and nature of the disclosed content, the Head of the Unit decides to apply one, several, or all of the following methods:

a) Publicly posting the contents stipulated in Clause 2 of Article 5 of this Circular on the unit's notice board (excluding those contents falling within the scope of state secrets and as prescribed by the Minister of Public Security);

b) Announcing at unit meetings;

c) Sending documents to subordinate units to inform officers and soldiers within their jurisdiction;

d) Through the internal computer network of the unit (if available).

Article 6. Content for officers and soldiers to participate in opinions, supervision, and inspection

1. Content for officers and soldiers to participate in opinions, supervision, and inspection:

a) Programs to implement resolutions of the Party, laws of the State, and regulations of the Ministry of Public Security related to the organization and operation of Fire Prevention and Fighting Police and units under the Public Security performing fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue operations;

b) Proposals and measures to implement administrative reform;

c) Work plans; plans for repair, purchase, and use of fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue equipment;

d) Regulations and provisions implementing policies related to the rights and interests of officers and soldiers;

đ) Measures to prevent accidents and injuries when performing fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue operations;

e) Administrative procedures, processes, and measures to prevent and combat bureaucracy, harassment, and extortion, as well as measures to practice thrift and combat waste and corruption in fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue operations;

g) Programs to implement competition movements, evaluation of commendation titles, monthly, quarterly work reports, mid-year work reviews, and annual work summaries of the unit;

h) Resolution of complaints and denunciations from officers and soldiers against unit leaders and complaints and denunciations from the public against the unit and individual officers and soldiers;

i) Other contents deemed necessary by the unit leader to seek opinions from officers and soldiers.

2. Forms for officers and soldiers to participate in opinions, supervision, and inspection:

Officers and soldiers may choose one or more of the following forms:

a) Direct participation in opinions with unit leadership;

b) Through unit meetings;

c) Through suggestion boxes of the unit;

d) Through internal computer networks (if available);

đ) Party committees and mass organizations soliciting opinions from party members, members of mass organizations;

e) Sending draft documents for officers and soldiers to provide opinions.

Article 7. Conduct, attitude, and working style of People's Public Security officers and Fire Prevention and Fighting Police when performing fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue tasks

1. When working at the office or performing duties, interacting with agencies, organizations, and individuals, officers and soldiers of the People's Public Security and Fire Prevention and Fighting Police must strictly comply with the Regulations and Code of Conduct for People's Public Security officers; when coming to work or interact with agencies, organizations, and individuals, they must have official letters or work introduction letters from their units.

2. When interacting and working with agencies, organizations, and individuals, officers and soldiers of the Public Security and Fire Prevention and Fighting Police must follow the approved plan and content by unit leadership, adhere to the work process, be responsible, honest, objective, modest, listen to opinions and suggestions from agencies, organizations, and individuals, and report results in writing to authorized leaders upon completion of tasks.

Article 8. Matters that officers and soldiers of Fire Prevention and Fighting Police and People's Public Security officers assigned to perform fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue tasks are not allowed to do

1. Exploiting the name of work or job responsibilities to harass, cause inconvenience, and infringe on the legitimate rights and interests of agencies, organizations, and individuals.

2. Accepting money, gifts, or other benefits to resolve fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue procedures.

3. Arbitrarily establishing procedures, documents, or collecting additional fees beyond the prescribed regulations.

4. Having an arrogant attitude, harassing, causing difficulties, and inconvenience to agencies, organizations, and individuals while performing tasks.

5. Receiving citizens to handle fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue procedures at home or at locations other than designated locations.

6. Actions contrary to the law and regulations of the Ministry of Public Security.

Section 2

IMPLEMENTING DEMOCRACY IN RELATIONS AND RESOLUTION OF WORK WITH RELATED AGENCIES, ORGANIZATIONS, AND INDIVIDUALS

Article 9. Contents to be disclosed in the work of Fire Prevention and Fighting Police and units of Public Security assigned to perform fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue tasks

1. Rules for receiving citizens; schedule for receiving citizens to handle procedures; layout or directional signs indicating the location for handling procedures.

2. Name and telephone number (if available) of each department, full name, rank, position, duties, and powers of officers assigned to receive citizens related to fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue; hotline number.

3. Responsibilities and obligations of citizens when handling procedures related to fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue.

5. Guidelines for calling the emergency number 114.

6. List of administrative procedures, regulations, files, forms, procedures, authorities, deadlines for handling each type of procedure related to fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue operations:

6. List of administrative procedures, regulations, forms, and deadlines for each type of procedure concerning fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue:

a) Procedure for inspecting safety regarding fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue;

b) Procedure and deadline for reviewing design and acceptance regarding fire prevention and firefighting for construction projects and motor vehicles with special requirements for fire safety;

c) Procedure and deadline for issuing permits for transporting hazardous materials concerning fire and explosion;

d) Procedure and deadline for issuing, reissuing, and replacing Certificates of fire prevention and firefighting training;

đ) Responsibility for developing and authority to approve fire extinguishing plans and rescue plans;

e) Procedure, fees, and deadline for inspecting fire prevention and firefighting equipment;

g) Procedure and deadline for issuing, reissuing, and replacing Certificates confirming eligibility to operate fire prevention and firefighting services;

h) Procedure and deadline for issuing, reissuing, and replacing Certificates of practice in fire prevention and firefighting consultancy;

i) Procedure and deadline for issuing Certificates of training in fire safety inspection and rescue operations.

7. Results of processing complaints and reflections from agencies, organizations, and individuals.

8. List of constructions put into use but not yet accepted for fire prevention and firefighting.

Article 10. Forms of Disclosure

1. Posting at the citizen reception area of the unit.

2. Direct information through citizen reception.

3. Announcing at meetings of the people, agencies, organizations, and facilities.

4. Announcing on mass media.

5. Announcing on the electronic information page of the Fire Prevention, Firefighting, and Rescue Police Bureau and the electronic information page of the provincial or centrally-administered city police (if applicable).

6. Other appropriate forms.

Article 11. Responsibilities of Fire Prevention and Fighting Police Units and Public Security Units assigned to perform fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue tasks

1. Utilizing forces, means, and measures in accordance with laws and regulations of the Ministry of Public Security to prevent the risk of fire, explosion, accidents, and extinguish fires; organize rescue operations; inspect fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue; cooperate with relevant agencies to investigate, verify causes, damages, and conditions leading to fires to handle violations according to the law; and promote, guide, and advise agencies, organizations, and individuals on effective fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue measures.

2. Receiving and resolving administrative procedures within the prescribed time limit in the field of fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue. In cases where the file does not comply with regulations, it shall not be received, and the reasons shall be clearly explained, while providing guidance for supplementation in accordance with regulations. If the deadline is reached without resolution due to objective reasons, the reasons must be clearly explained, and a date for delivering the result must be set. In cases where the failure is due to the unit's fault, the head of the unit or the authorized person must apologize and set a date for resolution as soon as possible.

3. Annually and semi-annually, the head of the unit has the responsibility to inform the heads of agencies, organizations, and facilities about the situation and results of fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue work in the assigned area, and simultaneously propose and recommend continued implementation of fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue measures.

Article 12. Receiving and handling complaints, opinions, grievances, and denunciations

Clause 1. Fire Prevention and Fighting Police units and Public Security units assigned to perform fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue tasks must assign officers to monitor the handling and respond to the sender of the complaint, letter. All letters of suggestion, complaints, and denunciations must be handled according to the law and immediately transferred to the competent leadership for directing the responsible department to process according to the law.

Clause 2. For letters unrelated to fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue work or not within the jurisdiction of the unit, they shall be returned with clear explanation to the sender or immediately transferred to the competent authority for resolution, and simultaneously notify the sender in writing.

Clause 3. The head of the Fire Prevention and Fighting Police unit and the Public Security unit assigned to perform fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue tasks is responsible for receiving citizens who come to handle procedures related to fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue or to suggest, complain, or denounce when these individuals have been received by the specialized department but find it unsatisfactory or for some reason request to meet directly with the unit head.

In case the unit head is absent, they shall delegate someone from a lower level to fulfill this responsibility.

Clause 4. The Fire Prevention and Fighting Police unit and the Public Security unit assigned to perform fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue tasks have the right to refuse to receive individuals who lose control of their behavior due to alcohol, beer, or other stimulants, or whose speech or actions violate social ethics and lifestyle; firmly deal with those causing disorder within the unit.

Section 3

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF ORGANIZATIONS, GROUPS, AND INDIVIDUALS

Article 13. Matters for organizations, groups, and individuals to provide opinions

1. Measures to implement legal regulations on fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue.

Clause 2. Plans, measures to ensure safety in fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue at places of residence and work.

Clause 3. Establishment and operational methods of mass organizations participating in fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue work.

Clause 4. Proposing commendation and rewards for organizations and individuals with achievements in fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue work; suggesting handling cases violating regulations on fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue.

Article 14. Responsibilities of organizations, groups, and individuals

Clause 1. Strictly comply with laws and regulations on fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue.

Clause 2. When handling administrative procedures and requesting resolution of issues related to fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue, they must submit relevant files and documents as required; strictly follow citizen reception rules and instructions of police and firefighters; properly follow regulations on complaints and denunciations in fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue work.

Clause 3. Report, combat, and prevent violations of fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue regulations; actions obstructing or resisting police and firefighters in performing their duties; infringing upon firefighting, rescue equipment and communication tools; propaganda posters about fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue.

Clause 4. Remove obstacles hindering the activities of firefighting forces and rescue equipment.

Clause 5. Assist and cooperate with police and firefighters while they are performing their duties.

Article 15. Forms of supervision and matters subject to supervision by agencies, organizations, and individuals

1. Matters subject to supervision by agencies, organizations, and individuals:

a) The implementation by the Public Security Force and Fire Prevention and Fighting Police of legal provisions and regulations of the Ministry of Public Security regarding procedures and other tasks related to fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue operations.

b) Compliance with the Regulations of the People's Public Security Force; conduct, attitude, and work style of the Public Security Force and Fire Prevention and Fighting Police.

2. Forms of supervision by agencies, organizations, and individuals:

a) Through public information of the People's Public Security Force and feedback via mass media.

b) Through supervisory subjects as prescribed by law.

c) Through direct contact and resolution of work with officers and soldiers.

d) Through the results of handling cases, letters, complaints, reports, and reflections.

e) Through audio recording, video recording, or direct observation but must ensure the following conditions:

- Not affecting the normal activities of officers and soldiers while performing their duties;

- Outside areas ensuring fire safety and rescue order (for places where firefighting and rescue operations are carried out);

- Adhering to other relevant legal provisions.

Chapter III

IMPLEMENTATION

Article 16. Effective Date

This Circular takes effect from April 6, 2020, and replaces Circular No. 53/2009/TT-BCA dated September 30, 2009, issued by the Minister of Public Security on implementing democracy in the work of Fire Prevention and Fighting Police.

Article 17. Responsibility for Implementation

1. Heads of units under the Ministry of Public Security, Directors of Public Security Departments of provinces and centrally-administered cities, and related agencies, organizations, and individuals are responsible for organizing the implementation of this Circular.

Every six months, annually, or upon request of the Ministry of Public Security, Public Security units and localities organize mid-term and final reviews of the implementation of this Circular, report the results to the Fire Prevention and Fighting Police Department for consolidation and reporting to the leadership of the Ministry of Public Security.

2. The Fire Prevention and Fighting Police Department is responsible for guiding, urging, and inspecting the implementation of this Circular.

During the implementation process, if there are any difficulties or obstacles, Public Security units and localities, related agencies, organizations, and individuals should reflect them to the Ministry of Public Security (through the Fire Prevention and Fighting Police Department) for consolidation and reporting to the leadership of the Ministry for consideration and resolution./.