National Assembly chairman Nguyen Phu Trong awarded the capital's police force with the Order of the Gold Star yesterday to honour the 65th anniversary of its establishment.

The chairman praised the force's efforts and achievements but said the police needed to further develop their tradition as Hero of the People's Armed forces, build a strong party committee and become skilful and transparent.

They must also deploy measures to both mobilise and unite with the people, he said. The chairman emphasised the importance of comprehensive ideological renewal and skills within the force as well as carefully studying the behaviour of criminals to make the fight against them more effective.

The force needed to defeat any plots by hostile forces and prevent terrorist acts, or disorders, he said.

Hanoi Police director Nguyen Duc Nhanh said the force had ceaselessly developed and improved during the past 65 years as the core in the defence of the country's security and social order.

The force had fought courageously to defeat the plots of the French colonialists and had made a considerable contribution to Vietnam 's liberation.

The force had actively consulted authorities in economic management, corruption and the fighting against smuggling since the introduction of the renewal process and international economic integration.

The force was granted the title Hero of the People's Armed Forces in 2004./.