50 Days in Office, 'Kim Chang-ryong Style' Preventive Security Policy Accelerates

Rewards for Creative and Professional Proactive Response
Pilot Operation of Phase 1 Regional Police Occasional Training
Strengthening Non-Face-to-Face Public Crime Prevention Promotion

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

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] As Kim Chang-ryong, Commissioner of the National Police Agency, marks 50 days since his inauguration emphasizing preventive policing activities, the paradigm of police security policies is changing. The key keywords of this change are 'prevention, publicity, and education.' Attention is focused on whether the security activities of police stations at all levels, which have so far focused on crackdowns, investigations, and arrests, are experiencing a turning point.

Upon his inauguration on July 24, Commissioner Kim directly expressed his commitment to 'preventive police activities,' stating, "It is first necessary to proactively and actively resolve factors of insecurity in daily life ahead of time." To this end, the National Police Agency first revised its internal reward and incentive system. Unlike investigations and arrests, the plan is to actively discover and reward preventive activities that have not been prominent so far, thereby encouraging the establishment of a preventive policing paradigm in the field. Even if concrete results are not produced, cases that proactively and actively respond before problems occur based on creativity and expertise will be selected, and recipients will be awarded the Commissioner’s Commendation as well as be included in the selection for 'Outstanding Public Officials in Active Administration.'

The introduction of the 'Phase 1 Regular Training for Community Police' to strengthen the capabilities of field police officers is also being promoted. Education team leaders or patrol team leaders will provide small-group or individual training focused on field cases to team members. The National Police Agency plans to pilot this in 33 police stations nationwide during September and October, then prepare supplementary measures for expanded operation.

Publicity to the public regarding major crimes will also be strengthened. The police are currently conducting publicity activities to prevent sexual violence crimes, which have become social issues this year, such as the 'Nth Room case.' Especially with the spread of COVID-19, they are focusing on 'non-face-to-face' publicity by using promotional videos and posters to inform about responses and reporting methods for sexual violence crimes, prevention of secondary damage, and victim protection systems. This approach is expected to be applicable to the prevention of other crimes as well.

However, challenges remain. There is still a long way to go to complete proper investigative structural reform and the autonomous police system. Recent issues such as police officers’ drunk driving and sexual misconduct, which indicate a breakdown in discipline, must be urgently addressed. Commissioner Kim said at a recent press conference, "We will fundamentally change organizational culture and awareness through internal education, in-house discussions, and campaigns, enabling staff to make self-purification efforts."

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