[2020 National Audit] Park Wansu "Local Police Model Changed by a Word from the Blue House"... Commissioner of Police "A Practical Alternative"

On the 8th, at the National Police Agency building in Migeun-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, during the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee's audit of the National Police Agency, Commissioner Kim Chang-ryong is responding to questions. Photo by the National Police Agency

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] It has been claimed that the Blue House was behind the sudden change in the introduction of the 'autonomous police,' a key aspect of police reform, from a dual model where the national and autonomous police are completely separated to a unified model.

Park Wan-soo, a member of the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee from the People Power Party, pointed out at the National Police Agency's audit on the 8th, "The dual model, which was created based on numerous hearings and consultations since 2018, was unilaterally overturned into a unified model by the Blue House's civil affairs office."

Park explained that he confirmed from a National Police Agency official that during a Blue House consultation in July this year attended by the Civil Affairs Secretary, Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the Local Autonomy Committee, and National Police Agency officials, the Civil Affairs Secretary proposed the unified model draft.

Park said, "The government's decision-making structure, which is overturned by a single word from the Blue House, is very abnormal," and argued, "The National Police Agency should not be influenced by any power and must reconsider the best autonomous police introduction plan solely for the security of the nation and its people."

The previously discussed autonomous police system was a dual model where the national police and autonomous police were completely separated in terms of organization, duties, and budget. However, at the end of July, the ruling party, government, and Blue House announced that, reflecting practical difficulties such as excessive budget consumption amid the COVID-19 pandemic, they would pursue a unified model that maintains the organization but separates only the duties.

However, after the announcement of the unified model, opposition arose not only from civic groups but also among field police officers. In particular, field officers expressed dissatisfaction with the unilateral promotion of the unified model without any consultation. Last month, the National Police Workplace Council Emergency Committee, the National Public Officials Labor Union Police Agency Branch, and the Police Agency Staff Labor Union jointly held a press conference demanding the abolition of the 'Police Act Amendment Bill' and a complete re-discussion of the autonomous police bill.

Even within the ruling party, opinions emerged that a more cautious approach to autonomous police is necessary. Im Ho-seon, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, said, "There was talk about holding public hearings at the National Assembly level with opposition party members to discuss the autonomous police issue," emphasizing, "The National Police Agency should seek alternatives for public safety and actively reflect them during the legislative process."

In response, Kim Chang-ryong, Commissioner of the National Police Agency, said, "Considering the circumstances, the unified model autonomous police system is the most realistic alternative." He added, "Since autonomous police is a critical issue for public security, we will respond with great interest," and "We will strive to collect various opinions and ensure that the National Police Agency's views on each article are reflected in the legislative process."

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