Police Facing Organizational Restructuring, Investigative Personnel to Decrease...? National Investigation Headquarters Chief Says "Will Address Public Concerns"

Ahead of the police organizational restructuring focused on on-site security, the police addressed concerns that investigative personnel might be reduced, stating that “nothing has been finalized” and promising to “alleviate public concerns.”

On the 4th, Woo Jong-su, head of the National Investigation Headquarters of the National Police Agency, said at a press briefing, “The organizational restructuring is being promoted in a way that strengthens police activities so that the public can feel the impact,” adding, “I understand there are many worries about a reduction in on-site investigative personnel, but we will do our best to ensure that investigative responsiveness in the field does not sharply decline.”

Dark clouds hang over the Seoul Seodaemun-gu Police Agency building on the 15th, ahead of the announcement of the "Police System Improvement Plan," which includes the establishment of the Police Bureau, a police work organization, and the enactment of command rules by the Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety over the Commissioner of the National Police Agency. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

Following growing concerns about on-site security due to a series of recent stabbing incidents, President Yoon Seok-yeol mentioned at the Cabinet meeting on the 29th of last month that “the police organization will be structurally reorganized to focus on security, and budget allocations will also be adjusted.” The police are preparing a comprehensive organizational restructuring, with a likely plan to transfer and increase personnel from administrative positions at the headquarters and city/provincial police agencies to frontline units such as district police stations and patrol posts.

This has raised concerns that the police’s investigative functions might decline. Head Woo stated, “There are many discussions, but nothing has been officially decided yet,” and added, “Since there is no confirmed plan to either increase or decrease investigative personnel, I believe there is no need to react sensitively.”

Additionally, regarding low-risk firearms scheduled to be distributed mainly to frontline personnel such as district police stations and patrol posts starting this year, a National Investigation Headquarters official explained, “We expect to supply about 5,700 units by 2024,” and “the distribution schedule will be set once the budget size is finalized.”

When asked about the effectiveness of low-risk pistols in situations where tasers cannot be properly used on-site, the official responded, “Before introduction, we will review manuals on usage standards, requirements, and precautions to assess the need for legal amendments,” and added, “We are also reviewing the scope of responsibility and immunity for on-site police officers with relevant departments.”

Regarding the mandatory use of mugshots for suspects of heinous crimes, Head Woo said, “I agree with the intention to fully introduce mugshots to ensure the effectiveness of the personal information system,” and added, “Taking mugshots against a person’s will requires legal amendments, and I understand that a bill has already been submitted to the National Assembly.” He continued, “The police are actively expressing their opinions and believe that legal basis regulations must be established.”

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