Kim Chang-ryong, Commissioner of the National Police Agency, "Unified Autonomous Police Model, the Best Option Available at Present"

Abolition of the Existing Complete Separation Dual Model for National and Autonomous Police
"Need to Establish 300 New Agencies... National Burden Amid COVID-19"

Commissioner Kim Chang-ryong of the National Police Agency. / Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Police Commissioner Kim Chang-ryong expressed a positive stance on the change of the autonomous police introduction model from the complete separation of the existing national and autonomous police to a unified 'single system model' that integrates the organizations.

On the 10th, at his first press conference since taking office, when asked about his position on the change of the autonomous police introduction model, Commissioner Kim replied, "It is currently the best option available."

The recently proposed amendments to the Police Act and Police Officers Act by Kim Young-bae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, include a 'single system model' that keeps the organization intact but distributes duties and command authority. This has led to criticism that it is a step back from the 'dual system model,' which completely separated the organization, personnel, and budget of the national and autonomous police.

Commissioner Kim acknowledged that it is a "considerably difficult task," but said, "Given the national crisis caused by COVID-19 and the difficult national environment, the existing autonomous police proposal, which would establish about 300 new agencies, is indeed a national burden," adding, "I believe such factors were taken into account."

He also highlighted the positive aspects of the single system model from the perspective of not undermining the total national policing capacity and maintaining stability. Commissioner Kim said, "Jeju Island has implemented a separated autonomous police system for a considerable period, but when applying that system immediately to places with high policing demand like Seoul and Busan, there are issues of trial and error and confusion," adding, "Considering all factors, I understand that the single system model was newly proposed, and I think it is a desirable approach given our current situation."

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