Yoon Hee-geun: "Public Safety is the Reason for Police Existence... We Will Protect the Safety of the People"

Yoon Hee-geun, New Commissioner of the National Police Agency / Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] Yoon Hee-geun, Commissioner of the National Police Agency, stated on the 18th, "We will firmly protect public safety so that citizens can feel secure and enjoy their daily lives."

Before the work report session held at the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee that day, Commissioner Yoon said in his greeting, "Public safety is a fundamental right of the people and the reason for the police's existence." He added, "We will eradicate addictive crimes that deeply infiltrate daily life and threaten communities, such as drug and gambling crimes," and emphasized, "We will devote all our efforts to eliminating malicious frauds that destroy the lives of ordinary citizens to the extent that they are called 'economic murder.'"

Commissioner Yoon emphasized the "establishment of fair legal order." He stated, "The belief that our society is sustained based on principles and common sense is the solid foundation for South Korea's growth and prosperity," and declared, "We will strictly punish various corruptions that undermine trust among members of society." He also said, "By creating an environment where those who quietly comply with the law are respected and favored, we will spread a social consensus that 'following the law is beneficial.'"

He also promised to improve organizational culture. Commissioner Yoon said, "We will boldly break away from the traditional manpower-centered policing and integrate science and technology into all policing activities, improving the talent development system including recruitment, education, and training to enhance the professionalism and competitiveness of the police." He continued, "We will improve the treatment of police officers, who are the main agents of public safety, so they can confidently focus on their duties, and expand the legal and institutional foundations," adding, "Based on close communication with the field, we will use the diverse voices within the organization as nourishment for police development."

Regarding the expanded police authority following the implementation of the "Complete Removal of Prosecutorial Investigation Rights Act" (검수완박법), Commissioner Yoon acknowledged, "We are well aware that there are both public expectations and concerns." He promised, "We solemnly recognize the historical mission and duties entrusted to the police and will do our best to ensure that the values of democracy, neutrality, and accountability are harmoniously realized." Furthermore, he pledged, "Together with 140,000 police colleagues, we will tirelessly strive toward the goal of 'a competent and confident police force, a safe community trusted by the people.'"

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