After Controversy Over Police Inadequate Response...Zero Progress on Legislation to Strengthen On-Site Response

Police Officer Duty Execution Act and Stalking Punishment Act
Amendments to Strengthen Response Capabilities Pending
"Legal Amendments Needed for Substantial Change"

New police officers are undergoing physical force response training at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] Despite a series of bills being proposed to strengthen on-site response capabilities following controversy over the police's 'inadequate response,' they have yet to pass the National Assembly.

According to the police and the National Assembly on the 23rd, the amendment to the 'Police Officer Duty Execution Act,' which reduces criminal liability for damages incurred during the lawful execution of police duties, passed the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee on the 29th of last month and was referred to the Legislation and Judiciary Committee on the 8th of this month, the day before the end of the regular session. However, its processing has been postponed due to opposition from civic groups and some political circles concerned about potential abuse of police authority. Although the Legislation and Judiciary Committee planned to reconsider the bill during this month's extraordinary session, the National Assembly remains deadlocked amid partisan conflicts.

The amendment to the Stalking Punishment Act has also been stalled. The currently proposed amendments include strengthening regulations to allow criminal punishment if the victim refuses the police's emergency protective measures (such as prohibiting approach within 100 meters or via telecommunications), and deleting the 'offense requiring victim's complaint' clause, which has been pointed out as a loophole in the current law. Amid the legislative stagnation, there have been cases where victims withdrew reports out of fear of retaliation after reporting stalking crimes, or courts dismissed arrest warrants for perpetrators citing the victim's expressed unwillingness to prosecute.

On-site police officers are demanding prompt processing. The Police Democratic Workplace Council issued a statement saying, "In the 0.1 seconds a police officer hesitates, the criminal's knife will rush toward the victim's neck," and added, "The police have always been frustrated and powerless in moments of hesitation. This is why laws and systems must be revised." Regarding concerns raised by civic groups such as the People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy, they countered, "It is not complete immunity but includes safeguards such as 'unless intentional or gross negligence.'"

The National Police Agency has formed a 'Police On-Site Response Enhancement Task Force (TF)' to discuss strengthening education and training, improving personnel, systems, and equipment, but maintains that substantial change is difficult without legal amendments. Commissioner General Kim Chang-ryong said, "The means available to the police to take action at the early stages of an incident are truly limited," and added, "I believe that laws, systems, personnel, budgets, and equipment must be comprehensively reviewed, improved, and dramatically expanded."

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