công an

Etymology
.

Noun

 * 1) public security
 * 2)  public security (law enforcement) officer
 * 1)  public security (law enforcement) officer

Usage notes

 * While công an refers to the law enforcement forces in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, equivalent institutions outside of Vietnam and the People's Republic of China are usually referred to as . Cảnh sát also refers to various branches of such forces in Vietnam.