[2020 National Audit] Kim Chang-ryong, Commissioner of the National Police Agency, "Strict Response to Illegal Gatherings... Accelerating Police Reform"

Kim Chang-ryong, Commissioner General of the National Police Agency, is taking an oath at the National Police Agency's National Assembly Public Administration and Security Committee audit held on the 8th at the National Police Agency in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Kim Chang-ryong, Commissioner of the National Police Agency, expressed his determination at the National Police Agency audit held on the 8th to focus on strict response to 'illegal assemblies,' protecting public safety, and police reform.

The National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee began the audit of the National Police Agency at 10 a.m. that day at the Police Agency building in Migeun-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul.

In his opening remarks, Commissioner Kim first mentioned the police's efforts to maintain stable public order this year. He said, "Looking back on this year, it was a period when the public's peace was greatly threatened by the COVID-19 pandemic and typhoons and floods," adding, "The police have united the capabilities of all members to overcome national crises and have faithfully carried out their primary duties, such as reducing crime and traffic accident fatalities, thereby maintaining stable public order."

He continued, "We have focused police capabilities on proactively and actively identifying and eliminating crime opportunities and risk factors around citizens' daily lives," emphasizing preventive police activities. He also mentioned efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and respond to related livelihood crimes. Commissioner Kim stated, "We have established a nationwide full-scale COVID-19 response system at police stations, strictly punished acts that interfere with quarantine, and operate rapid response teams, cooperating organically with health authorities," adding, "We have taken preemptive measures against various fraud crimes that infringe on the livelihoods of ordinary people amid the stagnant economic situation and conducted special crackdowns on 'real estate market disruption activities,' addressing sources of anxiety in daily life ahead of time."

Particularly, seemingly conscious of recent controversies such as the blocking of downtown areas on National Foundation Day, Commissioner Kim emphasized, "While guaranteeing the freedom of assembly and demonstration, we respond strictly and consistently to illegal acts according to the principle of proportionality, spreading the awareness that those who break the law will definitely be punished."

He also revealed his intention to continuously promote the major police issue of 'police reform.' Commissioner Kim said, "We have worked to improve the fairness, accountability, and professionalism of the police investigation system, including enhancing the qualifications of investigators, while revising follow-up legislation to realize the public will contained in the adjustment of investigative authority," adding, "We are also dramatically enhancing security investigation capabilities in preparation for the establishment of the National Investigation Headquarters and the transfer of counterintelligence investigative authority."

He continued, "We will expedite legislative work and practical preparations so that the autonomous police system can more thoroughly secure residents' safety and provide community-based police services," adding, "We will continue to strive to implement a more democratic and human rights-friendly police administration, including reforms of the intelligence police and the Korean National Police University."

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