ABSTRACT
This chapter explores ways police in Vietnam relate to and interact with the community with reference to how they understand the role of police in society. Officers emphasise the importance of being ‘flexible’ or using discretion as key tools rather than relying on a strict legalistic approach. Police view their role as educators as core to their duties. Knowledge of the law is perceived to attract cultural and social capital through being able to explain legalities to the community or to understand how to subvert it. This chapter concludes with consideration of how officers navigate aspects of their environment that contribute to stability and change in Vietnamese society and in approaches to policing.
