[Exclusive] Only 48% of Police at Jigu-dae and Patrol Stations Carry 38 Pistols... Seocho Lowest Near 'Yoon Residence'

Yoon Orders 'One Gun Per Police Officer' Possession
Seocho and Yongsan Also Below Half

[Asia Economy Reporters Jang Sehee and Gong Byungseon] Amid President Yoon Seok-yeol's directive to consider 'one gun per police officer,' it has been revealed that only about half of the police officers possess firearms.

According to the 'Seoul District Police Stations and Substations Firearm Possession Status' submitted by the National Police Agency to Rep. Jung Woo-taek of the People Power Party on the 22nd, the total number of firearms was 5,114 compared to 10,556 personnel across 31 district police stations and substations, indicating that 48.4% of the total personnel possess firearms.

Seocho, where President Yoon's residence is located, recorded the lowest handgun possession rate at 42.5%. This means that only about one in two officers carry firearms. Yongsan, responsible for the presidential security, also had a handgun possession rate of just 45.5%. Additionally, 21 other locations, including Suseo (43.6%), Gwanak (44.1%), Eunpyeong (44.4%), and Geumcheon (44.6%), were found to have possession rates below half. On the other hand, Seongbuk recorded 58.3%, with 147 out of 252 officers possessing firearms. Seongdong (56.9%), Seodaemun (53.7%), and Bangbae (52.8%) also had more than half of their officers carrying firearms.

Regarding the expansion of 38-caliber handgun distribution, the National Police Agency has completed budget negotiations with the Ministry of Economy and Finance for the next fiscal year. Initially, the police estimated that approximately 19.4 billion KRW would be required for all personnel at district police stations and substations to be equipped with 38-caliber handguns. However, due to financial constraints, it is known that the introduction will be phased in over several years. Additionally, to respond to violent criminals, the police plan to purchase additional protective equipment such as bulletproof vests. A police official stated, "It is true that during the Moon Jae-in administration, many police officers were recruited, leading to a shortage of firearms," and added, "There is also a need to expand protective equipment."

Earlier, President Yoon visited the Sinchon Police District Station in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, and instructed the implementation of one gun per officer and the strengthening of shooting training. Currently, due to a shortage of handguns at district police stations and substations, several officers share handguns, so the directive was intended to help officers become familiar with their own firearms.

Rep. Jung Woo-taek said, "There are concerns that violent criminals have been rampant in recent years while public authority has weakened," and added, "Along with expanding firearm distribution to police officers, active enforcement is necessary to ensure public safety."

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