The Traffic Police Department has clarified the rationale behind the recent removal of public rights to record and film traffic officers during their duties, as outlined in Circular No. 46/2024/TT-BCA.

The Ministry of Public Security issued the amendment, which will take effect on November 15, 2024, updating the previous regulations established under Circular No. 67/2019/BCA.

According to a representative from the Traffic Police Department, certain citizens have misused their rights to monitor traffic police, sometimes in an unobjective manner. In some cases, individuals filmed or recorded officers and then posted the footage on social media platforms, leading to disruptions and difficulties in enforcing traffic laws.

The representative further explained that removing these provisions aligns with regulations under Decree 13/2023 on personal data protection, the Civil Code, the Law on Network Security, and the Law on the Implementation of Democracy at the grassroots level.

These adjustments aim to prevent unauthorized sharing of images and sensitive information that could negatively affect both viewers and law enforcement officers.

However, citizens can still record interactions with traffic police as long as they adhere to legal guidelines and avoid interfering with the officer's duties.

The Ministry of Public Security plans to introduce recording and surveillance mechanisms at traffic stops to ensure transparency and accountability.

Another notable change under Circular 46 is the removal of the public's access to certain operational details of traffic police, including patrol plans. This means the schedules, routes, and types of vehicles under surveillance will no longer be publicly disclosed.

Previously, the patrol plans, including the names of units, areas covered, vehicle types monitored, and enforcement timelines, were shared openly. The circular also eliminates the need to disclose police uniform details and badge numbers used during traffic duties.

The Traffic Police Department has explained that police operations extend beyond ensuring traffic safety; they often involve coordinating with criminal investigation units to combat crime. As such, patrol plans are considered confidential and internal.

In recent practice, many citizens have requested officers to present patrol plans, which were sometimes shared online, creating challenges for effective law enforcement.

Circular 46 will come into effect on November 15, 2024, signaling a shift towards greater protection of internal police operations while ensuring legal oversight through authorized means.

Dinh Hieu