Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung on December 21 urged police nationwide to step up vigilance next year against the nefarious designs of hostile and criminal forces.

They should continue working hard against all kinds of crime and guard against wrongful convictions, he said during a Hanoi meeting with leaders of the Ministry of Public Security.

Dung noted that a series of important political events will occur in 2015, including the 85th anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the 70th Independence Day, the 40th National Reunification Day as well as Party congresses at all levels.

"These are the times that hostile and reactionary forces as well as criminals increase their activities against the country," he said.

The Prime Minister also asked the police to speed up investigations while strictly abiding by regulations on the custody and treatment of suspects.

He lauded the police force for recording significant achievements in 2014 despite difficulties and challenges in the international, regional and domestic situations, saying that their success in performing their tasks has made an important contribution to protecting the country's sovereignty and maintaining political stability.

The police force has also effectively served the cause of national socio-economic development and implementation of diplomatic policies, he said, asking them to keep up the good work in the coming year.

Minister Tran Dai Quang said the sector will continue working closely with the military, ministries, other sectors and localities to fulfill the tasks of protecting the nation and maintaining social safety and order.

It will also focus on building up a strong People's Police force to serve the nation's socio-economic development, he said.-VNA