44. Police Department Historical Relic

Alongside the construction of prisons, the French colonial authorities erected various administrative and service buildings in Con Dao, including the Wire Department, the Treasury Department, and the Judicial Police Department (commonly referred to as the Police Department). During the American-puppet period, this building served as the headquarters of the Military Security.

The Police Department compound spans a total area of 1,516.2m², encompassing the main building, a auxiliary structure, two cells, and a garden.

It stands as one of the French-style architectural structures established in 1929 to facilitate the prison administration. Notably, the Police Department bore witness to the final moments of the heroic Vo Thi Sau. Despite the impending execution, she maintained the dignity of a communist, exhibiting optimism and trust in the revolution’s ultimate triumph.

On the early morning of January 22, 1952, the vessel transporting the first and only female political prisoner, Vo Thi Sau, anchored in Con Dao Bay. A small boat ferried her to the shore, and the Island Lord, Jarty, ordered her confinement in the Police Department cell, with oversight entrusted to the Department’s owner.

At four o’clock on the morning of January 23, 1952, Police Department owner Vol Peter escorted Vo Thi Sau to the office of the prison warden, Passi, for formalities before transporting her to the execution ground at 7 a.m. on January 23, 1952.

For visitors exploring the Con Dao Prison Historical Relic, a visit to the Police Department, where the female martyr Vo Thi Sau was held, is imperative. She stands as the first and only female political prisoner during the French colonial period before facing execution.

On April 18, 2007, the People’s Committee of Ba Ria – Vung Tau province issued Decision No. 1443/QĐ-UB ranking the Police Department as a provincial-level historical cultural relic. On May 10, 2012, the Prime Minister signed Decision No. 548/QD-TTg, ranking it as a Special National Relic.