Circular No. 62/2019/TT-BCA on Funeral Arrangements in the People's Public Security Force

CIRCULAR

Regulations on Funeral Arrangements for People's Police

Pursuant to Decree No. 01/2018/NĐ-CP dated August 6, 2018 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Public Security;

Pursuant to Decree No. 105/2012/NĐ-CP dated December 17, 2012 of the Government on funeral arrangements for officials, civil servants, and public employees;

At the proposal of the Director of the Cadre and Civil Servant Management Department;

The Minister of Public Security promulgates this Circular on funeral arrangements for People's Police.

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation and Applicability

This Circular stipulates funeral arrangements for officers, non-commissioned officers, conscript soldiers, students at People's Police schools, police workers (hereinafter referred to as officers and soldiers), laborers under labor contracts receiving salaries from the State budget (hereinafter referred to as contractual laborers) in the People's Police who have died or passed away; retired police officials who have passed away; responsibilities of police units and localities in organizing funerals; costs for funeral arrangements; visiting regulations for officers and soldiers, relatives of officers and soldiers, contractual laborers, Chiefs and Deputy Chiefs of Police Stations, and part-time police officers currently working who have died or passed away.

Article 2. Subjects not subject to application

1. Officers and soldiers, contractual laborers who die by suicide, are disciplined with "stripping of the title of People's Police" or "forced resignation"; officers and soldiers who have been discharged from service, transferred to other sectors; retired police officials subsequently convicted of any of the crimes specified in the Penal Code.

2. Relatives of officers and soldiers, contractual laborers currently working, Chiefs and Deputy Chiefs of Police Stations, and part-time police officers who die by suicide or are criminally prosecuted.

3. Special cases shall be decided by the unit leader in charge of organizing the funeral.

Article 3. Principles of Funeral Arrangements

1. Funeral arrangements according to the People's Police ritual must ensure solemnity, thoroughness, economy, and suitability with national traditions and civilized lifestyles.

2. Funeral arrangements according to the People's Police ritual shall not be combined with funeral arrangements according to local customs and traditions. Encouragement is given to burial methods such as cremation and electric cremation.

3. In cases where deceased officers fall under multiple funeral arrangements, the funeral shall be organized according to the highest level of funeral arrangement as prescribed.

Article 4. Forms of Funeral Arrangements

1. National-level funeral.

2. High-level funeral within the People's Police.

3. Funeral for serving officers with ranks up to Senior Colonel.

4. Funeral for retired police officials.

5. Funeral for police workers and contractual laborers.

Article 5. Responsibilities for Organizing Funerals

The unit or locality in charge of organizing the funeral shall establish a Funeral Committee, develop a plan, assign tasks, manage the organization of the funeral, ensure funding, and settle accounts in accordance with regulations.

1. For serving officers and soldiers, contractual laborers who die or pass away belonging to a particular police unit or locality, the funeral shall be organized by that police unit or locality. If the funeral of an officer or soldier who dies or passes away is held far from their place of work, the police unit or locality where the officer or soldier served shall coordinate with the local police unit or locality where the funeral is held.

2. For retired police officials who pass away residing in a particular locality, the funeral shall be organized by that locality, coordinating with the police unit or locality where the official worked before retirement or the unit assigned to receive, manage, and implement policies (in cases where the previous workplace has merged or dissolved). The local Party committee, government, and family shall also participate in organizing the funeral.

Specifically, for police officials working in units directly under the Ministry who retire in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (if there is a permanent residence) and pass away, the funeral shall be organized by the unit where the official worked before retirement, coordinating with the local police, government, and family. In cases where the previous workplace of the official has merged or dissolved, the unit assigned to receive, manage, and implement policies shall coordinate with the local police, government, and family to organize the funeral.

3. For dispatched police officials who die or pass away, depending on the situation and operational requirements, the managing unit of the dispatched official shall coordinate with the receiving agency to organize the funeral together with the family. In cases where the funeral is organized according to the People's Police ritual, the managing unit of the dispatched official shall take the lead, coordinating with the receiving agency to organize the funeral.

Article 6. Funeral Attire and Wreaths

1. Funeral Attire

a) For those who have sacrificed or passed away

Police officers: Wear formal uniform or regular uniform; wear rank insignia, single sprig of pine (for formal uniform), service badge, and cap placed on the chest, with the police emblem facing upwards towards the head of the deceased; leather shoes should be placed beside both feet.

Non-commissioned officers, soldiers, and students: Wear regular uniform, wear rank insignia and service badge; shoes and caps should be placed as for officers.

Civil servants and contractual workers: Wear civilian attire;

b) For cadres and soldiers attending the funeral ceremony

For state-level funeral ceremonies: Wear formal police uniform, wear cap; in special cases, follow the decision of the Minister.

In other cases, wear regular uniform, wear cap.

2. Wreaths

Members of the Funeral Committee and the Funeral Organization Committee shall wear black mourning bands (with a width of 07 cm) on their left arm.

Article 7. Other Provisions

1. The organization of funerals according to the customs of the People's Public Security includes: Visitation Ceremony, Memorial Service, Funeral Procession, Burial Ceremony (or Cremation, Electric Incineration). Based on rank, position, work history of the deceased, and specific conditions, organize the funeral ceremony according to the customs of the People's Public Security appropriately.

The visitation and memorial service are held at the funeral home; the funeral procession and burial ceremony are carried out on the same day.

2. If the visitation ceremony is organized at the family residence, the location of the funeral must ensure necessary conditions for the solemn and meticulous organization of the funeral; the body of the deceased must be placed in a coffin and ensure hygiene, especially for those with infectious diseases. The coffin should not be kept for more than 48 hours from the time of placing the body in the coffin until the burial ceremony is held. During the period of organizing the visitation ceremony at the family residence, no funeral music should be played before 06:00 AM and after 10:00 PM; sound levels must not exceed permitted noise levels; inappropriate music should not be used during the funeral.

3. When the body of the deceased is placed in a coffin at the funeral home or family residence, there should not be a window with glass installed on the lid of the coffin.

4. Do not scatter paper money or banknotes issued by the State Bank of Vietnam or foreign currency during the process of transporting the body from the funeral home or family residence to the burial site.

5. In cases where many cadres and soldiers sacrifice while directly combating crime, firefighting, bravely rescuing victims, or performing combat training, exercises serving national defense and security with dangerous characteristics, they may be organized with a higher level of funeral ceremony, decided by the leadership of the Ministry of Public Security for propaganda, education, and exemplary purposes.

6. For cases where cadres of the Public Security are disciplined with dismissal, demotion, or reduction in rank at the time of death, the funeral shall be organized according to the corresponding funeral form based on the cadre's position, rank, or rank at the time of death.

Chapter II

FUNERAL ORGANIZATION

Section 1

NATIONAL FUNERAL

Article 8. Objectives and Ceremonies for State-Level Funerals

1. Cadres of the Public Security with positions or ranks specified in Article 21 of Decree No. 105/2012/ND-CP dated December 17, 2012 of the Government on the organization of funerals for cadres, civil servants, and public officials (hereinafter referred to as Decree No. 105/2012/ND-CP) who pass away shall implement the funeral procedures as stipulated in Chapter 3 of Decree No. 105/2012/ND-CP.

2. The Office shall take the lead and coordinate with the Personnel Department to assist the Ministry's leadership in carrying out tasks assigned by the State-Level Funeral Organization Committee.

Section 2

HIGH-LEVEL FUNERALS IN THE PEOPLE'S PUBLIC SECURITY

Article 9. Titles for High-Level Funeral Ceremonies in the People's Public Security Force

Officials currently working or retired with the following positions or ranks shall be organized for high-level funeral ceremonies in the People's Public Security Force upon their death:

1. Members of the Central Committee of the Party, alternate members of the Central Committee of the Party, members of the Party Committee of the Ministry of Public Security, Deputy Ministers.

2. Directors of General Departments, Deputy Directors of General Departments, and equivalent positions.

3. Public Security officials currently holding the positions of Director of Departments, Commanders, and equivalent positions; Provincial Police Chiefs, Municipal Police Chiefs under the central government.

4. Officers with the rank of Major General or higher.

5. Officials awarded the First-Class Independence Medal or higher; officials awarded the State Hero Award (individual award) as People's Armed Forces Hero, Labor Hero (except in cases stipulated in Clause 6, Article 7 of this Circular).

Article 10. Leading the funeral ceremony

1. The leadership of the Ministry leads

a) For officials currently working

Members of the Central Committee of the Party, members of the Party Committee of the Ministry of Public Security; Deputy Ministers; officers with the rank of Major General; Department Directors, Commanders, and equivalent positions, Provincial Police Chiefs, Municipal Police Chiefs under the central government.

The public security unit or local authority where the deceased official worked will lead and coordinate with the Office and the Cadre Management Department to assist the Ministry's leadership in organizing the funeral.

b) For retired officials

Former members of the Central Committee of the Party, former members of the Party Committee of the Ministry of Public Security, former Deputy Ministers, former Directors of General Departments, and equivalent positions; officers with the rank of Major General.

The unit where the official worked before retirement or the unit assigned to take over, manage, and implement policies for retired officials from units that have been split, merged, or dissolved will lead and coordinate with the Office and the Cadre Management Department to assist the Ministry's leadership in organizing the funeral.

2. The leadership of the public security unit or local authority leads for the remaining positions (for officials currently working) or the unit or local authority managing and implementing policies (for retired officials) to organize the funeral.

3. For public security officials working in localities who have passed away, if the City Party Committee or Provincial Party Committee takes charge of organizing the funeral, it will follow the regulations of the locality.

4. Special cases are reviewed and decided by the leadership of the Ministry of Public Security.

Article 11. Preparation Work

Before organizing the funeral, the leading unit shall carry out the following tasks:

1. Establish the Funeral Organization Committee.

2. Determine the location for the wake, memorial service, burial, cremation, or electric cremation.

3. Coordinate with the family to determine the time for the wake, memorial service, funeral procession, burial, cremation, or electric cremation.

4. Post the notice of mourning and inform relevant agencies and units.

5. Summarize the biography, prepare eulogies, thank-you speeches; portrait photographs; medals, awards (if any); representative wreaths, rotating wreaths; mourning bands, condolence books; funeral service vehicles; sound systems...

6. Arrange forces to serve the funeral: Honor Guard; Funeral Band (if applicable); officers and soldiers on duty beside the coffin, carrying flowers, carrying the coffin, guiding visitors, registering visitors...

7. Prepare funds to serve the organization of the funeral according to regulations.

Article 12Funeral Organization Committee

1. The Funeral Organization Committee led by the Ministry's leadership consists of 13 to 15 members, decided by the Minister of Public Security; the Chairman of the Funeral Organization Committee is the leadership of the Ministry of Public Security.

2. The Funeral Organization Committee of public security units and local authorities consists of 11 to 13 members, led by the leadership of the public security unit or local authority organizing the funeral; the Chairman of the Funeral Organization Committee is the leadership of the public security unit or local authority.

3. For retired officials who have passed away, the composition of the Funeral Organization Committee includes representatives of the family, local party committee and administration, and representatives of the Retired Public Security Club where the official participated in activities.

4. Special cases are reviewed and decided by the Chairman of the Funeral Organization Committee.

Article 13. Announcing the Notice of Death and Eulogy

Clause 1. The Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the Central Party Committee for Public Security, the Ministry of Public Security, and the family (if the deceased was a National Assembly Delegate, the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam shall be added) shall announce the Notice of Death for cadres who died while holding the position of Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party.

The Notice of Death, a brief biography with a photograph of the deceased (size 06cm x 09cm) shall be published in newspapers and on television in accordance with Clause 3, Article 35 of Decree No. 105/2012/NĐ-CP.

The Office shall take the lead and coordinate with the Cadre and Family Department to prepare the Notice of Death, a brief biography, eulogy, and thank-you message, and submit them to the Head of the Funeral Committee for approval before announcing.

Clause 2. The Central Party Committee for Public Security, the Ministry of Public Security, the unit where the deceased cadre worked, and the family shall announce the Notice of Death for other cases. The Notice of Death shall be published on the front page of the People's Public Security Newspaper and on the People's Public Security Television channel, along with a photograph (size 06cm x 09cm) and a brief biography of the deceased cadre. (except in cases covered by Clause 1 of this Article). Publishing the Notice of Death in the People's Newspaper and announcing it on the Vietnam Television Station shall be carried out in accordance with the Government's regulations.

The unit responsible for organizing the funeral shall coordinate with related units and the family to prepare the Notice of Death, a brief biography, eulogy, and thank-you message, and submit them to the Head of the Funeral Committee for approval before announcing.

Article 14. Arranging the Memorial Platform

Clause 1. The memorial platform shall be decorated with a black background and white letters reading "We deeply mourn comrade... ".

Clause 2. The altar shall be placed in front and centered under the background; on the altar shall be a photograph (size 40cm x 30cm) of the deceased cadre, a stand for medals, an incense urn, and a lamp.

Clause 3. The coffin shall be draped with a police flag (dimensions 3m x 2m) and placed on a stand at the center of the memorial platform, with the head facing towards the memorial platform.

Clause 4. A small altar shall be placed below the coffin, with an incense burner for representatives from visiting delegations to light incense; in front of the altar shall be a stand for wreaths brought by visiting delegations.

Article 15. Representative Wreaths and Rotating Wreaths

Clause 1. The Funeral Committee shall prepare two representative wreaths from the Central Party Committee for Public Security, the Ministry of Public Security, and the family to place on either side of the altar. The wreaths shall have red ribbons with gold lettering (dimensions 1.2m x 0.2m).

Clause 2. The Funeral Committee shall prepare fifteen rotating wreaths with black ribbons (dimensions 1.2m x 0.2m) bearing white letters reading "We deeply mourn comrade...". In the announcement of the Notice of Death, it shall be noted that visiting delegations should not bring their own wreaths and black ribbons but instead use those prepared by the Funeral Committee.

Article 16. Guarding the Coffin and Honor Guard Unit

Clause 1. Guarding the Coffin

Two officers of the rank of Major (to be assigned by the unit responsible for organizing the funeral) and four non-commissioned officers and soldiers (to be assigned by the Mobile Police Force) shall guard the coffin.

The guarding period shall commence five minutes before the mourning ceremony begins and continue until the end of the funeral service. If the mourning ceremony lasts longer than four hours, the Head of the Funeral Committee shall decide on the appropriate duration for guarding the coffin based on the actual circumstances of the funeral venue.

Clause 2. Honor Guard Unit: Comprising forty members, including one officer in command, three members of the police flag team and an officer leading the procession; ten to twelve soldiers shall carry out the duty of carrying wreaths (to be assigned by the Mobile Police Force).

Article 17. Use of Vehicles for Funeral Services

1. Use from 9 to 13 vehicles, including: 01 traditional flag vehicle of the People's Public Security force, photos, medals, and awards; 02 vehicles carrying the honor guard; 02 vehicles carrying the ceremonial band; 01 vehicle carrying flowers; 01 vehicle carrying or towing the coffin; 01 to 04 passenger cars carrying family members and officers and soldiers attending the funeral procession, and 01 to 02 vehicles of the Funeral Organizing Committee.

2. The traditional flag vehicle, the vehicle carrying the honor guard, the vehicle carrying the ceremonial band, the flower-carrying vehicle, and the coffin-carrying vehicle (referred to as ceremonial vehicles) shall be handled by the Mobile Police Force. The vehicles carrying family members, the vehicles carrying officers and soldiers attending the funeral procession, and the vehicles of the Funeral Organizing Committee shall be arranged by the unit organizing the funeral.

Article 18. Ceremonial Music for Funeral Services

1. The People's Public Security ceremonial band shall serve the wake, memorial service, and burial (or cremation, electric cremation) in cases where the funeral is organized under the leadership of the Ministry. 

2. In other cases, sad music tapes, the "Soul of the Fallen Soldier" song, and funeral march music shall be used during the wake, memorial service, and burial or cremation.

Article 19. Procedure for Organizing Funeral Services

1. Wake (the organizational diagram for the wake is implemented according to Appendix 1 attached to this Circular).

Before organizing the wake, a representative of the Funeral Organizing Committee announces the Decision on the establishment of the Funeral Organizing Committee; informs the time for the wake, memorial service, funeral procession, and burial.

a) At the start of the wake, when all funeral service forces and attendees have taken their positions as prescribed, the Funeral Organizing Committee announces "The wake for Comrade ... begins." Following that, introduce the delegations to pay respects.

b) Arranging the formation of delegations paying respects

Two soldiers carrying flowers position themselves facing the delegation, presenting the wreath. Afterward, they turn the wreath around and slowly proceed in a solemn manner before the delegation to their designated positions.

Head of Delegation.

Members of the delegation walk in one or two columns.

The officer leading the delegation walks slightly behind and to the right of the Head of Delegation.

c) Arriving at the place of respect

The two soldiers carrying flowers stop, coordinate to place the wreath on the flower stand, face the wreath towards the delegation, adjust it neatly, then turn around and stand evenly on both sides.

The officer leading the delegation guides the delegation to form a row. Depending on the number of delegations paying respects, they may be arranged in one or multiple rows. The Head of Delegation stands in the middle of the row, and the officer leading the delegation stands to the right of the delegation.

d) Moment of silence

When the delegation has stabilized its formation, the Head of Delegation offers incense. The sound control operator plays the "Soul of the Fallen Soldier" music; if there is a People's Public Security ceremonial band, they play the "Soul of the Fallen Soldier" song. Upon hearing the "Soul of the Fallen Soldier," everyone in the delegation observes a moment of silence. If wearing Public Security uniforms, the top row performs a salute with eyes directed toward the location of the coffin - bidding farewell to the deceased. When the music stops, the saluting and moment of silence end. If there is no music, the Head of Delegation or the officer leading the delegation will shout: "Moment of silence begins," officers and soldiers perform the salute, ending with "stop." If in civilian clothes, they stand solemnly, head slightly bowed, bidding farewell to the deceased.

e) Walking around the coffin

The officer leading the delegation guides the delegation to form a single file in the following order: Head of Delegation, followed by other members of the delegation. The officer leading the delegation walks to the right of the Head of Delegation, walking around the coffin from the right side (inside the security personnel) up to the front of the coffin, then to the position where the family and relatives of the deceased are located, offering condolences, and finally exiting the area. The Head of Delegation signs the condolence book.

The two soldiers carrying flowers from both sides enter and return the wreath to its designated place.

2. Memorial Service (the organizational diagram for the memorial service is implemented according to Appendix 2 attached to this Circular).

At the time of the memorial service, a representative of the Funeral Organizing Committee invites leaders, members of the Funeral Organizing Committee, delegations attending the funeral, ceremonial units... to take their positions for the memorial service.

a) A representative of the Funeral Organizing Committee declares: "The memorial service for Comrade (rank, name) begins." Following that, invite the Head of the Funeral Organizing Committee to read the eulogy; after reading the eulogy, the Head of the Funeral Organizing Committee or the commanding officer of the honor guard declares: "Moment of silence begins" while performing the action of turning towards the coffin.

The sound control operator plays the "Soul of the Fallen Soldier" music; if there is a People's Public Security ceremonial band, they play the "Soul of the Fallen Soldier" song.

The honor guard performs the action of holding rifles in salute. All attendees of the memorial service stand solemnly, observing a moment of silence; officers and soldiers in Public Security uniforms stand solemnly and perform the salute. Upon completion of the "Soul of the Fallen Soldier" music, representatives cease the moment of silence, and the honor guard ceases the salute.

A representative of the Funeral Organizing Committee or a representative of the family expresses gratitude (if applicable).

b) The Funeral Organizing Committee declares: "The memorial service for Comrade (rank, name) ends" and invites leaders, representatives, delegations, and the family to walk around the coffin for the final farewell. Afterward, the ceremonial band (if present), the honor guard, and the firing party exit their positions. The working teams carry out their tasks as prescribed.

3. Funeral Procession

a) Transfer of the Coffin onto the Funeral Vehicle

The ceremonial team and the funeral convoy arrange their formations as prescribed.

Honor guards fold the Public Security flag over the coffin.

Two soldiers bring the photo and medal stand to the position in front of the coffin to lead the procession.

The coffin-bearers lift the coffin onto the vehicle, with leaders, the Funeral Organizing Committee, and others participating in carrying the coffin.

When the coffin is lifted, the order following the coffin is the family, leaders, then representatives and delegations...

At the funeral vehicle, place the coffin onto the funeral vehicle or towing frame. Soldiers carrying the photo and medal stand place them onto the vehicle carrying the Public Security flag. For the funeral of a commissioned officer, non-commissioned officer, or soldier without a Public Security flag vehicle, the photo and medal stand (if present) are placed onto the coffin-carrying vehicle. The flower and incense bearers place flowers and incense onto the vehicle as prescribed.

Leaders, family members, representatives, and close relatives board the funeral vehicles.

b) Once the coffin is placed onto the vehicle carrying the coffin (or towing frame), and all forces are prepared, the Funeral Organizing Committee orders the funeral convoy to depart, with the order of vehicles as specified in Appendix 3 attached to this Circular.

The speed, distance, and route of funeral vehicles shall be determined by the Funeral Organization Board. However, it must ensure that the route from the place where the wake is held to the burial or cremation site is the most appropriate. The escort of the deceased's portrait shall not pass through their family home. If the burial or cremation takes place in a different locality from where the funeral is organized, only the hearse and flower car will accompany the family to the burial or cremation site. The funeral organizing unit will coordinate with local authorities and the family to organize the burial or cremation. In special cases, the decision rests with the head of the Funeral Organization Board.

4. Burial or Cremation Ceremony

a) Burial

The convoy arrives at the burial site, parks in designated positions, and ceremonial forces take up their assigned posts.

The pallbearers transfer the coffin onto a stand in front of the grave.

Family members, leaders, and attendees of the burial ceremony stand behind the coffin according to the instructions of the Funeral Organization Board.

The honor guard forms two to four parallel rows alongside the coffin, while the ceremonial band (if present) stands opposite the honor guard.

Once all forces are in stable positions, the Funeral Organization Board announces: "The burial ceremony for Comrade (rank, name) begins."

The pallbearers carry the coffin onto the grave.

The Funeral Organization Board declares "Lowering the Coffin."

The work team performs the lowering of the coffin.

After the coffin has been placed in position, the Funeral Organization Board invites the leaders and close relatives to throw the first handful of earth. Thereafter, the family stands on either side of the grave, while the leaders and representatives return to suitable positions.

The Funeral Organization Board declares "Filling the Grave."

The work team carries out the task of filling the grave.

Upon completion of filling the grave, flowers are placed on the tomb.

After placing the wreath on the tomb, the Funeral Organization Board announces "Farewell to Comrade (rank, name). Moment of silence begins." The honor guard salutes with arms, and everyone attending the burial ceremony observes a moment of silence. Officers and soldiers dressed in People's Police uniforms stand at attention and perform the salute gesture.

After the moment of silence, the honor guard "ceases saluting," and everyone ends the moment of silence.

At the conclusion of the burial ceremony, the Funeral Organization Board announces "The burial ceremony for Comrade (rank, name) has ended"; thanks the leaders, agencies, organizations, and invites everyone who attended the ceremony to walk around the grave one last time to bid farewell to the departed. Delegates express condolences to the family and depart. Funeral service forces leave the burial area in sequence following the guidance of the Funeral Organization Board.

b) Cremation: The Funeral Organization Board coordinates with the Crematorium and the family to organize the cremation in accordance with regulations.

5. Other contents shall be implemented in accordance with Article 84 of Circular No. 36/2019/TT-BCA dated September 18, 2019, issued by the Minister of Public Security regarding ceremonial procedures for the People's Police.

Article 20. Other Matters

The location of the funeral, burial, construction of the tomb, and costs shall be carried out in accordance with Decree No. 105/2012/NĐ-CP and guidelines from the Ministry of Finance.

Section 3

FUNERAL OF A CURRENTLY SERVING OFFICER

WITH THE RANK OF MAJOR GENERAL OR HIGHER

Article 21. Cresponsible for organizing the funeral

1. Heads of units under the Ministry, Directors of hospitals, academies, Principals of People's Police universities, Directors of provincial public security services directly under the central government, shall be responsible for organizing the funeral for officers currently serving in positions from Deputy Director of Department and equivalent or higher (excluding officers within the scope of Section 2); officers with the rank of Major General belonging to units where the officer died or passed away.

Depending on specific circumstances, leaders of public security units and localities may be responsible for organizing the funeral or delegate authority to organize the funeral for officers in their units or localities holding positions from Deputy Director of Department and equivalent or lower; officers with the rank of Senior Colonel or lower who died or passed away, ensuring solemnity, thoroughness, and uniformity.

2. Officers and soldiers studying, working, or receiving medical treatment abroad who pass away shall have their funeral organized by the public security unit or locality managing the officer, coordinating with the intelligence unit responsible for the area, the Training Bureau, the Foreign Relations Bureau, the Embassy or representative agency of Vietnam in the host country, and the family.

3. Officers and soldiers who die or pass away during concentrated study at academies or People's Police universities shall have their funeral organized by the leadership of the academy or university.

In the case of officers and soldiers in part-time study programs who die or pass away, the work unit shall be responsible for organizing the funeral, coordinating with the school.

4. Officers and soldiers sent to study at non-Public Security institutions who die or pass away shall have their funeral organized by the unit directly managing the officers and soldiers studying there.

Article 22. Funeral Preparation Work

Funeral preparation work shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions stipulated in Article 11 of this Circular.

Article 23. Funeral Organizing Committee

The leader of the unit primarily responsible for organizing the funeral decides to establish a Funeral Organizing Committee. The head of the Funeral Organizing Committee is a leader from the unit. The number and composition of the Funeral Organizing Committee are determined by the unit primarily responsible for organizing the funeral.

Article 24. Listing Names for Announcing Bereavement Notices and Eulogies

1. Listing Names for Announcing Bereavement Notices

a) The Ministry of Public Security, units, and families shall list names for announcing bereavement notices on page 2 of the People's Public Security Newspaper for cases where cadres who have sacrificed their lives or passed away are at the level of Bureau leadership and equivalent, provincial-level public security leadership, hospital, academy, or police academy leadership;

b) Units and families shall list names for announcing bereavement notices on page 2 of the People's Public Security Newspaper for cadres who have sacrificed their lives or passed away at the level of departmental leadership, county-level leadership and equivalent, colonels, senior colonels; Heroes of the Armed Forces; Labor Heroes; People's Doctors; People's Teachers; National Artists; Professors, Associate Professors.

The announcement of bereavement notices on the People's Newspaper or other mass media outlets for these cases shall be implemented according to the provisions set forth in Decree No. 105/2012/NĐ-CP.

2. Preparing Bereavement Notices, Brief Biographies, and Eulogies

The unit primarily responsible for organizing the funeral shall coordinate with the family and local authorities to prepare bereavement notices, brief biographies, eulogies, and submit them to the head of the Funeral Organizing Committee for approval before publication in the newspaper.

Article 25. Location for Funeral Services and Burial Site

1. Cadres and soldiers who sacrifice their lives or pass away in a locality shall have their funerals organized and buried or cremated in that locality’s cemetery.

2. In cases where the family wishes to transport the body back for burial in another locality’s cemetery, the head of the Funeral Organizing Committee shall decide based on regulations and the opinion of the hospital.

Article 26. Decorations for the Funeral Platform

For locations capable of doing so, funeral platform decorations shall be carried out as stipulated in Article 14 of this Circular. Other places shall decorate the funeral platform appropriately and solemnly based on specific circumstances.

Article 27. Representative Wreaths and Rotating Wreaths

1. The Funeral Organizing Committee shall prepare two representative wreaths, black ribbons with white letters reading "Deeply Mourned Comrade..." placed on both sides of the altar.

2. The Funeral Organizing Committee shall prepare between ten (10) and fifteen (15) rotating wreaths, black fabric bands measuring 1.2m x 0.2m with white letters reading "Deeply Mourned Comrade..."; in the announcement of the bereavement notice, it should state: Delegations coming to pay respects are not required to bring wreaths or black fabric bands but may use the wreaths prepared by the Funeral Organizing Committee.

Article 28. Guarding the Coffin and Honor Guard Unit

1. Time for Guarding the Coffin: carried out as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 16 of this Circular.

2. Guarding the Coffin

a) Officers at the rank of Colonel or Senior Colonel or holding positions equivalent to Deputy Department Head and above: two officers at the rank of Colonel or Lieutenant Colonel and four non-commissioned officers or soldiers;

b) Officers at the rank of Major or Lieutenant Colonel: two officers at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and four non-commissioned officers or soldiers;

c) Officers at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and non-commissioned officers or soldiers: four non-commissioned officers or soldiers.

2. Honor Guard Unit, Wreath Bearers

a) Officers at the rank of Colonel or holding positions equivalent to Deputy Department Head and above: twenty-four (24) personnel, including one officer in command and three members of the Police Honor Guard Team. Between eight (8) and ten (10) soldiers will carry out the task of bearing wreaths;

b) Officers at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and non-commissioned officers or soldiers: thirteen (13) personnel, including one commander. Eight (8) soldiers will carry out the task of bearing wreaths.

3. Officers guarding the coffin shall be assigned by the unit primarily responsible for organizing the funeral. Non-commissioned officers and soldiers guarding the coffin, bearing wreaths, leading delegations, and the honor guard unit shall be assigned by the Mobile Police Force.

Article 29. Use of vehicles in funerals

1. Number of vehicles used in funerals

a) Senior Lieutenants, Majors, or those holding positions equivalent to Deputy Department Heads and above shall use from 7 to 9 vehicles including: 01 traditional flag vehicle of the People's Public Security force, 01 to 02 honor guard vehicles, 01 flower-laden vehicle, 01 coffin-laden vehicle, 02 to 03 passenger vehicles for family members and officers and soldiers accompanying the funeral procession, and 01 vehicle for the Funeral Committee;

b) Captains and Lieutenants shall use from 5 to 7 vehicles including: 01 traditional flag vehicle of the People's Public Security force, 01 honor guard vehicle, 01 coffin-laden vehicle, 01 to 03 passenger vehicles for family members, the Funeral Committee, and officers and soldiers accompanying the funeral procession;

c) Officers, Non-commissioned Officers, and Soldiers shall use from 3 to 5 vehicles including: 01 coffin-laden vehicle, 01 honor guard vehicle, 01 to 03 vehicles for family members, the Funeral Committee, and officers and soldiers accompanying the funeral procession.

2. Ceremonial vehicles serving funerals shall be handled by the Mobile Police Force. Vehicles serving family members, the Funeral Committee, and officers and soldiers accompanying the funeral procession shall be handled by the unit primarily responsible for organizing the funeral.

Article 30. Music for funeral ceremonies

The tape music of the "Soul of the Martyr" and the funeral march shall be used during the wake and the memorial service.

Article 31. Funeral procedures

Funeral procedures shall be carried out according to the provisions of Article 19 of this Circular.

Section 4

FUNERAL OF RETIRED PUBLIC SECURITY OFFICERS

Article 32. Subjects eligible for funerals with the People's Public Security ceremonial protocol

Retired officers who passed away before January 1, 1945, those who participated in revolutionary activities from January 1, 1945, to August 1945; Heroes of the Armed Forces, Labor Heroes, National Assembly Deputies, People's Doctors, People's Teachers, National Artists, Professors, Associate Professors, leaders at the departmental level, district level, and equivalent or higher; retired officers with the rank of Major if the locality where the officer passed away has the conditions to organize a funeral with the People's Public Security ceremonial protocol shall be organized as a funeral for an active-duty officer with the rank of Major or lower who died or passed away.

Article 33. Organizing the funeral  

1. If a retired officer subject to the provisions of Article 32 of this Circular passes away while residing in a province or centrally-administered city, the Provincial Public Security Service of that province or city shall take the lead, coordinate with the previous workplace of the retired officer, local authorities, and the family to organize the funeral.

If the officer retired after working in units under the Ministry and resides in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, it shall be implemented as stipulated in Clause 2 of Article 5 of this Circular.

Depending on specific circumstances, the Provincial Public Security Service may delegate or authorize the organization of the funeral for retired public security officers residing in the locality appropriately.

2. If a retired officer not subject to the provisions of Article 32 of this Circular passes away, the local authority and the family shall take the lead, coordinating with the District or County Public Security Service where the officer resided to organize the funeral. The unit where the retired officer passed away may send a delegation to pay respects or send a wreath if they are far away.

Article 34. Funeral Committee

The entity leading the organization of the funeral shall decide to establish a Funeral Committee, with the Head of the Funeral Committee being the leader of the entity organizing the funeral. Participating in the Funeral Committee shall include representatives from the Public Security, local authorities where the retired officer resided, representatives from the Retired Public Security Club where the officer was a member, and representatives from the family. 

Article 35. Announcing Bad News and Eulogies

1. Listing Names for Announcing Bereavement Notices

a) The Ministry of Public Security, the unit where the deceased officer worked before retirement, and the family shall announce the bad news on page 2 of the People's Public Security Newspaper for officers who were former leaders at the Bureau level, provincial public security leaders under the central government, hospital, academy, and police college leaders.

b) Local public security units and the family shall announce the bad news on page 2 of the People's Public Security Newspaper for officers who were former department-level and district-level leaders; officers with the rank of Senior Colonel; Heroes of the Armed Forces, Labor Heroes, People's Doctors, People's Teachers, National Artists, Professors, and Associate Professors (except in cases where the announcement is made by the Ministry of Public Security).

The announcement of bereavement notices on the People's Newspaper or other mass media outlets for these cases shall be implemented according to the provisions set forth in Decree No. 105/2012/NĐ-CP.

2. The main organizing unit for the funeral shall coordinate with the family to prepare the announcement of bad news and eulogies and submit them to the Head of the Funeral Organizing Committee for approval before publication in newspapers or mass media.

Section 5

FUNERAL OF PUBLIC SECURITY WORKERS AND CONTRACT LABORERS

Article 36. Responsibilities for Organizing Funerals

1. The funeral of public security workers and contract laborers who have passed away shall be organized in accordance with the provisions of Chapter V of Decree No. 105/2012/ND-CP dated December 17, 2012, of the Government regarding the organization of funerals for deceased state officials, civil servants, and public employees.

2. Public security workers and contract laborers who sacrifice while on duty shall be given a funeral according to the regulations for active-duty lieutenants who sacrifice or pass away.

3. The funeral of public security workers and contract laborers who pass away while working shall be organized by the directly managing agency or unit and the family.

4. The funeral of retired public security workers and contract laborers who pass away shall be organized by local authorities and the family; the previous workplace may send a wreath or visit if it is far away.

Chapter 6

FUNERAL EXPENSES

Article 37. State-Level and High-Level Funerals 

Expenses for organizing state-level and high-level funerals within the Public Security force shall be implemented in accordance with Decree No. 105/2012/ND-CP and the guidance documents issued by the Ministry of Finance.

Article 38. Funerals of Active Officers and Soldiers

1. Expenses for organizing the funerals of active officers, soldiers, and contract laborers who sacrifice or pass away, in addition to the burial allowance provided under the Social Insurance Law (equivalent to ten months of the base salary), shall also be supported by the Ministry of Public Security with an additional twelve months of the base salary as stipulated at the time of the sacrifice or passing.

2. In cases where the families of active officers and soldiers who sacrifice or pass away organize the funeral themselves, the unit where the sacrifice or passing occurred shall pay the family the funeral expenses as specified in Clause 1 of this Article.

Article 39. Funerals of Retired Police Officers

Expenses for organizing the funerals of retired police officers who pass away and are eligible for funerals according to the rituals of the Public Security force as stipulated in Article 32 of this Circular shall be borne and settled by the family of the deceased officer with the Social Insurance Agency in their place of residence. The main organizing unit for the funeral shall ensure the costs for the ceremonial portion of the Public Security force: honor guards, honors, and transportation for the honor guard and honors.

Chapter III

VISITATION REGULATIONS

Article 40. Objects Eligible for Visitation

1. Active or retired public security workers and contract laborers who sacrifice or pass away.

2. Relatives of active public security workers and contract laborers who sacrifice or pass away, including: biological father, biological mother, father-in-law, mother-in-law, adoptive parent, spouse, and children.

3. Chiefs and Deputy Chiefs of Public Security Stations and part-time Public Security Officers who sacrifice or pass away while working.

Article 41. Visiting Arrangements

1. Officials, soldiers, and contractual workers who are currently employed or have retired and passed away, and relatives of officials, soldiers, and contractual workers who are currently employed and have passed away shall be visited by their respective units. In cases where the unit's headquarters is too far from the location of the funeral, the local police station at the funeral site will be requested to send representatives to visit.

2. For the death of the Chief or Deputy Chief of Police of a commune or town and part-time police officers currently employed, the directly managing county-level police force shall organize the visit.

Article 42. Funding for Visiting Arrangements

The unit (as stipulated in Article 41 of this Circular) visiting officials, soldiers, and contractual workers who are currently employed or have retired; relatives of officials, soldiers, and contractual workers, Chiefs or Deputy Chiefs of Police of communes or towns, and part-time police officers currently employed who have passed away shall be provided with funding for purchasing wreaths, candles, and other necessary items up to one month's basic salary as prescribed by the Government at the time of the visit. Units organizing a delegation to visit or representing the unit or locality to visit shall be provided and settled for visiting expenses according to regulations.

Chapter IV

IMPLEMENTATION

Article 43. Funding Assurance

The funding for funerals as specified in Section 6 Chapter II and the funding for visiting arrangements as specified in Article 42 Chapter III of this Circular shall be guaranteed by the Ministry of Public Security budget.

Article 44 |||. Effectiveness

This Circular takes effect from January 8, 2020, and replaces Circular No. 15/2013/TT-BCA dated March 15, 2013, issued by the Minister of Public Security on funeral benefits for public security forces and previous guiding documents of the Ministry of Public Security.

Article 45. Responsibility for Implementation

1. Heads of subordinate units of the Ministry, Directors of hospitals and academies, Deans of Public Security Police Colleges, Directors of provincial and centrally-administered city police departments are responsible for implementing and enforcing this Circular.

2. The Command of the Mobile Police Force is responsible for providing detailed guidance on the uniforms and equipment of honor guards and the arrangement of formations during visitation ceremonies, memorial services, funeral processions, and burials to ensure uniformity within the public security forces.

4. The Personnel Department is responsible for providing guidance, inspection, and recommending solutions for any issues arising during the implementation of this Circular.

During implementation, if any issues arise, local police units shall report them to the Ministry (through the Personnel Department) for study and resolution./.