Boeung Preav commune police officials, in Koh Kong province’s Sre Ambel district, stand in front of their post. Koh Kong administration
Social observers have expressed support for plans to increase the number of police officers at commune-level administrative posts to at least 10 officers to enhance public services and citizen safety. However, they emphasised the need for a clear division of responsibilities.
On December 31, Minister of Interior Sar Sokha announced that the number of commune-level officers will be increased to at least 10 officers in 2025 and 2026, according to a recent statement by the interior ministry.
The ministry explained that, at present, some commune-level administrative posts lack adequate police forces to match the population and geographic areas they oversee.
As a result, police officers have been working beyond regular hours to provide services, including security, administrative duties and public services, even on their scheduled days off.
The ministry added that the increase in the number of officers also aims to address crime within communities, including youth delinquency.
Yong Kim Eng, president of the People’s Center for Development and Peace, supported the plan.
He noted that currently, most posts only have around five officers, who are often overwhelmed with responsibilities. Additionally, they are sometimes reassigned to assist with duties outside their commune.
“Commune police officers handle many tasks, such as traffic management, maintaining order, addressing youth delinquency and combating drug use,” he said.
However, Kim Eng urged that their roles and responsibilities be clearly defined if the measure is to be implemented.
“If there is no possibility of increasing the number of officers, the effectiveness of law enforcement and the success of promoting safe communes will remain distant goals. I do not encourage hiring contracted police officers, like in the case of traffic police. If there is a lack of personnel, full-time sworn officers should be appointed to avoid disputes with citizens,” he suggested.
Kim Eng believed that recruiting at the commune level is preferable to district-level recruitment because commune administrations are closer to the people.
“For this reason, I fully support and welcome this initiative,” he said.
