Police Group Strongly Opposes 'Establishment of Police Bureau'... Workplace Association Warns "Police Investigations Will Be Designed to Suit Political Power"

"Create an Environment Less Influenced by Power to Focus on Public Welfare and Security"

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Police workplace associations nationwide have expressed opposition to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's (MOIS) establishment of a Police Bureau. The associations emphasized that the subjugation of the police to political power will ultimately harm citizens.

On the 27th, the workplace associations held a press conference, issued a statement opposing the creation of the Police Bureau, and read a declaration of police independence in front of the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Eight representatives attended the event, including Lee Tae-sik, president of the Incheon Police Agency workplace association, and Ahn Seong-ju, president of the Ulsan Police Agency workplace association.

They criticized the MOIS's establishment of the Police Bureau as a regression to the past. On the same day, MOIS formalized the formation of a police control organization by accepting recommendations from the Police System Improvement Advisory Committee.

In their statement, the workplace associations said, "MOIS has publicly announced recommendations to directly control the police, citing concerns over the excessive expansion of police authority due to adjustments in investigative powers and the introduction of the autonomous police system." They added, "In effect, MOIS is reviving the Police Bureau to control the police in the style of the former Security Headquarters and strengthen subordination." They also warned that police investigations could be manipulated to suit political power, ultimately harming citizens.

The associations also highlighted growing police opposition. President Ahn stated, "For the people, the police must operate under democratic control," and added, "If the establishment of the Police Bureau is insisted upon, frontline police officers will do their utmost to ensure its withdrawal for the sake of the people."

As an alternative, they proposed democratic control methods. The workplace associations explained, "Police control must certainly be implemented, but we want democratic control through democratic procedures," emphasizing, "The intention is to create an environment where the police are less influenced by political power and can focus on public welfare and security."

Meanwhile, after the press conference, the workplace associations submitted their statement and the declaration of police independence to MOIS. They also plan to hold a policy forum titled 'Securing Police Neutrality and Independence and Establishing Democratic Control Measures' at the National Assembly Members' Office Building around 2 p.m. that day.

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