Major Overhaul of 'Abuse Prevention Police Officers'... Enhancing Expertise and Expanding Incentives

Representative Avoided Department in Police
Exceptional Treatment with Promotions and Allowances
Special Investigation Units Established in Police Agencies Nationwide

The first trial of the 'Jung-in case,' in which the adopted child died due to abuse by the adoptive mother, was held on the 13th at the Southern District Court in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul. Citizens gathered in front of the courthouse are demanding that the adoptive parents be charged with murder. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] The police, who faced heavy criticism for failing to prevent the death of a 16-month-old adopted child in Yangcheon, Seoul (known as the 'Jeong-in case'), are significantly overhauling the Abuse Prevention Officer (APO) system.

On the 19th, the National Police Agency announced in the 'Child Abuse Response System Enhancement Plan' prepared and discussed at the 1st Social Relations Ministers' Meeting, "Even in cases where proving suspicion on-site is difficult, frontline personnel will be trained to take proactive measures from the perspective of child protection."

To this end, the police plan to promote measures to enhance professionalism for APOs, such as supporting the acquisition of related degrees in psychology and social welfare.

Additionally, incentives will be greatly expanded for APOs with outstanding performance or long-term service, including special promotions, salary increases, related allowances, and the assignment of professional positions.

APO has long been considered one of the least desirable departments within the police. Child abuse cases are difficult to investigate because the victims are children, and the work is demanding as it requires follow-up inspections.

As a result, junior officers such as patrol officers and corporals often take on these roles, and few serve for more than a year, making it difficult to improve expertise. Currently, there are a total of 669 APOs nationwide, with over 70% (467) holding ranks of sergeant or below. A National Police Agency official said, "We expect this to serve as an incentive for talented personnel to apply for APO positions."

The police will also establish 'Women and Youth Investigation Units,' including special investigation teams for child abuse, at metropolitan and provincial police agencies to elevate all child abuse cases involving children under 13 to the metropolitan/provincial police level for dedicated investigation. At local police stations, the installation of Women and Youth Violent Crime Units will be expanded, and child abuse investigations will be added to their duties to strengthen the response capability to child abuse at the police station level.

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