Bangkok: The Prime Minister has taken a significant step in bolstering national security by forming a team dedicated to training a new generation of volunteer community police officers. This initiative aims to enhance public safety through increased community involvement in policing efforts.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who also serves as the Chairman of the National Police Policy Council (NPPC), has appointed Associate Professor Dr. Nopadol Kannika as Chairman of the Sub-Committee on Public Participation. This appointment is part of a broader strategy under the National Police Act of 2022 to improve public engagement and strengthen the Police Oversight and Monitoring Committees (POCs). The initiative seeks to integrate the public with the Royal Thai Police through systematic mechanisms.
The policy builds upon the existing "Community Police Volunteer" program, which was established in 2008. It is designed to align with the current social context by utilizing the Community Police Committee (CPCC) at each police station and community leaders. These entities will work together to select, train, support, monitor, and evaluate community police volunteers, thereby acting as a strategic bridge between the public and the police. This approach aims to elevate public participation in maintaining national security and safety from local to national levels.
Under the directive of the Prime Minister, the development of volunteer community police officers will focus on systematic selection, training, certification, and benefits. The program will involve a monitoring and evaluation system, allowing various community stakeholders to assess the performance of the volunteer officers. The initiative emphasizes the importance of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCC) in connecting the public and police, thereby ensuring effective implementation of the policy nationwide.
The concept, driven by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, seeks to create a 'Modern Community Police Volunteer System' to enhance public participation in maintaining peace, order, and safety. The system is not merely about increasing volunteer numbers but establishing a dignified and standard-driven platform for citizen involvement. The NPPC, under Anutin's leadership, has appointed a subcommittee to define policy, develop mechanisms, and create a concrete system for public participation, with Police General Akkaradej Pimolsri as vice-chairman.
In parallel, Police General Kittirat Phanphet, the National Police Chief, has set up a working group to promote this volunteer community police program. Headed by Associate Professor Police General Dr. Thatchai Pitanilabutr, this group aims to develop curricula and standards for practical implementation nationwide. The 5 "No's" and 5 "Do's" principles will guide the new community police volunteers, ensuring they operate effectively and ethically.
This new system offers Thai citizens aged 20 and above the opportunity to apply for training programs, emphasizing community selection, training, certification, compensation, and welfare. The initiative aims to foster a collaborative approach to security, with citizens, police, and local organizations working together to strengthen national security. The success of this system will be judged by the safety and trust it fosters in communities rather than the mere number of volunteers.
The policy frameworks will be forwarded to the Community Police Volunteer Promotion Working Group, led by Associate Professor Police General Dr. Thatchai Pitanilabutr. This group will design curricula and operational models tailored to each area's context, leading to concrete implementation under Royal Thai Police supervision. The ultimate goal is to create a standardized community police volunteer force nationwide, supporting police operations and enhancing community safety and empowerment.
The initiative invites interested individuals to participate in the new volunteer training program, with further details available through the provided contact information.