Controversy Over Poor Response: "Police Are Not Consumables"... 'Post by a Probationary Police Officer'

Posted on Internal Police Network Introducing Sibo
"Law Enforcement Becomes Difficult Due to Social Atmosphere"
"Criticism Will Not Break Our Mission"

Kim Chang-ryong, Commissioner of the National Police Agency, is explaining the reason for his visit to the press in front of Nonhyeon Police Station, Namdong-gu, Incheon, on the afternoon of the 25th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] Criticism of the police continues following the Incheon inter-floor noise stabbing incident and the stalking murder in Jung-gu, Seoul. Amid this situation, a current police officer who identified himself as a probationary officer before being officially appointed as a police officer posted a message on the internal network discussing the causes of the recent incidents and directions for improvement, attracting attention.

On the 26th, a post titled "A Message from a Probationary Police Officer to Senior Officers" was uploaded on the Police Internal Network (Polnet) bulletin board called Field Vitality. The author wrote, "My mind has been complicated due to various events in recent days," and added, "Although I have things I want to say and must say, I have kept my mouth shut because that would fit the 'coward’s condition,' which I hate the most. So, I am posting here to consult with senior officers on a few matters." He also noted, "The 'Sun (巡)' in 'Sun-gyeong (순경, police officer)' does not mean 'obedient (順).'"

Regarding the Incheon stabbing incident, the author stated, "In my heart, I have been a police officer for eight years already, so it feels uncomfortable to see the senior officers being criticized," but also said, "However, their opinions are not without merit." He wrote, "The weakened public authority fundamentally blocks us from demonstrating our capabilities," and added, "Due to the social atmosphere, law enforcement has become inevitably difficult. Even if we want to act strongly, we cannot, yet people expect this difficult task as a given and criticize us when we fail."

He continued, "Until about a decade ago, the police and the public were directly opposed. The resentment toward authority is inevitably much greater compared to other advanced countries," and explained, "Ultimately, it seems difficult to strengthen police public authority in today’s South Korean society."

The author emphasized that this does not mean the situation should be left as is and called for improvements in police equipment such as batons. He said, "I heard that the current batons bend when struck hard," and added, "It’s terrifying to have to fight against a knife-wielding opponent with such a 'tin can' baton. I even considered buying a new baton at my own expense, but since it’s not issued equipment, there could be legal issues, so I hesitate."

He also stressed, "Drawing a knife and cursing in front of the police is a challenge to public authority," and warned, "If we fail to respond to this challenge, public authority will inevitably weaken." He further argued, "The current system, under the formal pretext of 'protecting human rights,' harms the freedom and equality of decent people."

He criticized manuals and laws for obstructing proactive administration, stating, "It is perfectly normal to have complaints about inefficient and unjust systems. Rather, it should be seen as a struggle for correction and improvement. Therefore, the nationwide coalition of workplace councils that contribute to free expression of opinions and healthy communication should be welcomed, not feared."

Moreover, he wrote, "Due to various systems that hinder proactive police administration, the meaning of 'police service' has gradually been distorted into that of a 'service industry.' Now, many police officers have developed an aversion to the word 'service' itself."

In conclusion, the author said, "Through this message, I wanted to convey that police officers are not disposable, that our complaints are not mere childish tantrums, and that a few mistakes and public criticism will never break our sense of mission," and expressed gratitude to senior officers who sacrifice for their families and the nation every day.

Meanwhile, as of 2:30 PM on the same day, the post had recorded over 20,000 views and more than 170 comments. One police officer commented, "I hope the leadership becomes a strong support for all staff." Another wrote, "I agree. I hope systems that allow us to work for the public without hesitation are established."

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