National Police Chiefs: "Establishment of the Ministry of Interior Police Bureau and Command Rules Are Historical Regression"

Police Agency Disciplinary Warning: "No Issues Expected"
"Hope for Mutual Cooperation and Effort"

On the afternoon of the 23rd at 2 PM, chief superintendent-level executives who expressed their intention to attend the National Police Chiefs Meeting sent hibiscus flowerpots in front of the Choi Gyusik Hall at the Chungnam Asan Police Human Resources Development Institute, where the meeting was held. / Provided by the National Police Workplace Council

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] Senior police officers at the superintendent level, including police chiefs nationwide, held a meeting on the 23rd at the Police Human Resources Development Institute in Asan, Chungnam, regarding the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's police system improvement plan, and reached a consensus that it is "inappropriate as a historical regression."

Ryu Sam-yeong, Chief of Ulsan Jungbu Police Station, and others stated after the nationwide police chiefs meeting that "many attendees sympathized with and expressed concern over the fact that the Ministry of the Interior and Safety Minister's command rules over the National Police Agency Commissioner undermine the rule of law." They also said, "Although this is a matter with a significant impact on public safety, there was criticism that the procedure for gathering diverse opinions from the public, experts, and field police officers was insufficient," and argued, "The legislative process should be suspended for the time being, and a period of reflection to form social consensus is necessary."

It was reported that several measures to reform the police into a police force under public control were also discussed at the meeting. Chief Ryu and others plan to convey the contents discussed through appropriate procedures to Yoon Hee-geun, the nominee for the National Police Agency Commissioner. They also said, "We expect the police command and field officers to work together to secure the neutrality, accountability, and independence of the police."

This meeting was held after Chief Ryu posted on the police internal network on the 18th, demanding the police command hold a nationwide police chiefs meeting, and posted again on the 20th. Although nominee Yoon sent an email to superintendent-level officers on the 21st urging them not to hold the meeting, they proceeded regardless. It is reported that 56 superintendent-level officers attended in person, and 140 superintendents participated via video conference. Although unable to attend, 357 superintendent-level officers sent flower pots as a sign of support for the meeting.

The National Police Agency virtually warned disciplinary action against the superintendent-level officers attending the meeting in the afternoon while it was ongoing. The agency stated, "Considering public concerns, we urged restraint and ordered disbandment, but the meeting was forcibly held, which we regard as a serious situation," and added, "After reviewing violations of service regulations, strict measures will be taken against the attendees."

However, Chief Ryu said after the meeting, "There is absolutely no problem with police gathering at a police institution on a holiday to discuss a serious issue concerning the future of the police," and "Everyone attended following legal procedures." He also added, "Police chiefs publicly expressed their opinions despite risking disadvantages in their status," and "We would appreciate it if this sincerity is conveyed to the public and they support and encourage our police efforts."

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