"No Public Official Left Unprotected" ... Gyeongnam Police's Strict Response to Verbal Abuse and Violence in Government Offices

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kang Sharon] The Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency announced on the 25th that it will strictly respond to obstruction of official duties such as verbal abuse and violence by malicious complainants at government offices.

The Gyeongnam Police Agency plans to firmly respond based on a zero-tolerance policy when official duties are obstructed by assault or verbal abuse against public officials.

In particular, those who commit direct violence such as grabbing the collar or throwing punches will be severely punished.

In cases involving the use of weapons, habitual offenders, or repeat offenders where the matter is serious, a three-strike policy for violent offenders will be implemented.

The three-strike policy for violent offenders is a system where if a person with two or more violent crime convictions within three years, including suspended sentences or higher, commits another violent crime, they will be investigated under detention in principle.

Additionally, emergency bells will be installed in administrative agency complaint offices and community centers to establish a rapid response system.

In the event of group disturbances, local police and detectives will simultaneously respond to handle the situation promptly.

Disorderly conduct caused by intoxicated individuals at government offices, such as loud verbal abuse and rough behavior that disrupt official duties, will be punished under the Minor Offenses Act as public office intoxication disturbance crimes.

The Gyeongnam Police Agency handled 751 offenders obstructing official duties in 2018, 763 in 2019, and has apprehended 312 offenders as of June this year.

In Gyeongnam, violent incidents have occurred consecutively, such as a complainant throwing a punch at a public official at the Masanhappo-gu Office Social Welfare Division in Changwon City on the 2nd, and a complainant slapping a public official at the Tax Division of Geoje City Hall on the 15th.

The police stated, "We will strictly respond to offenders who undermine public services by hindering legitimate official activities and infringing on the basic rights that should be returned to the public."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.