Police Chief "Sincerely Apologizes for Inadequate On-Site Response"... Formation of 'On-Site Response Enhancement TF'

Presiding Over Nationwide Command Video Conference
Comprehensive Measures Including Regional Police Training System Reform
Exploring Ways to Strengthen Victim Protection
"A Whole Police Organization's Bone-Cutting Effort"

Commissioner Kim Chang-ryong of the National Police Agency. [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Police Commissioner General Kim Chang-ryong bowed his head again in response to criticism of the police's 'inadequate response' raised in the Incheon inter-floor noise weapon rampage incident and the Seoul Jung-gu officetel murder case. The police plan to form a separate task force (TF) to thoroughly investigate the matter and seek solutions to strengthen on-site response capabilities.

On the 22nd, at the 'National Police Command Video Conference' held at the police headquarters in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Commissioner Kim said, "In the recent inter-floor noise rampage incident in Incheon and the death of a person under protection in Seoul, the police failed to properly protect the safety of citizens in danger," adding, "I sincerely apologize to the victims, their families, and the public for failing to prevent crime damage due to passive and insufficient on-site response."

Commissioner Kim added, "Public safety is the reason for the police's existence and the ultimate goal, yet as the highest responsible officer of the police, I feel a grave sense of responsibility for failing to properly protect the lives and safety of the people."

The video conference, attended by about 350 people including the police headquarters command, provincial police chiefs, heads of affiliated agencies, and police station chiefs, was reported to have been conducted in a consistently solemn atmosphere. Commissioner Kim emphasized, "The most important and urgent task now is to concentrate the entire organization's capabilities to ensure that such mistakes never happen again," and added, "We will conduct a thorough investigation of the incidents to hold those involved accountable, thoroughly identify the causes of the problems, and prepare measures to prevent recurrence. The entire organization will make painstaking efforts to promptly and flawlessly supplement and improve the flawed parts."

This meeting focused on analyzing the progress and issues of the controversial incidents, as well as the related on-site law enforcement systems, and discussing improvement measures. It is known that there was consensus on the need for accurate and swift judgment and exercise of public authority by on-site police officers to protect citizens in emergency situations.

To this end, the police headquarters deputy commissioner will lead the 'On-site Response Capability Enhancement TF,' with participation from related ministries and agencies, to promote comprehensive measures including ▲restructuring the local police and new police officer training system ▲strengthening the practicality of equipment and training on its use ▲expanding legal and institutional foundations ▲improving manuals. Additionally, to solidify protection for crime victims, the smart watch location tracking system will be improved, and measures will be pursued to prevent recidivism and ensure effective isolation for crimes targeting socially vulnerable groups such as stalking.

Commissioner Kim said, "For citizens in urgent situations, a 112 call is an SOS (emergency rescue call) itself," and added, "The police headquarters and provincial police agencies nationwide will, with extraordinary determination, conduct meticulous fact-finding and verification to thoroughly inspect and improve all aspects related to on-site response, including education and training, police officers' attitudes and mindsets, systems, and equipment."

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