[Manbo Jeongdam] "Field Police Officers Protecting People's Lives Are Stars... The Commissioner of Police is a Reliable Supporter"

Chief Jo Ji-ho Leading 140,000 Members
Understanding Frontline Police Officers' Challenges
Actively Supporting to Foster a Sense of Fulfillment
Aiming to Restore the Good DNA of the Police

"Every morning we hold a situation review meeting, and hearing about exemplary cases of field police officers makes me think that, as the Commissioner General of the National Police Agency, I must do better."

On the 6th, Commissioner General Jo Ji-ho said this in an interview with Asia Economy. For Commissioner Jo, the source of energy is the field. The achievements of frontline police officers across South Korea from the previous day are conveyed to the head of the police organization the next morning. Within this lies the process through which South Korea, one of the world's leading security powers, has been built. It is a record of the sweat shed day and night by someone to ensure the peaceful daily lives of the people.

Police Chief Jo Ji-ho is being interviewed by Asia Economy at the National Police Agency in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jo Yong-jun

Commissioner Jo said, "Reports come in about things I wouldn't have been able to do if I were a patrol officer." His tone slightly rose when he shared this, reflecting his hope that more citizens recognize the hardships frontline police officers endure. "There was even a case where, in the brief moment a car passed by, the front and rear license plates were different, and they caught a wanted vehicle." In moments that could have been overlooked, some officers demonstrated exceptional focus and achieved unexpected results. Commissioner Jo said, "Every time I see such cases, I feel the need to actively support the frontline."

Commissioner Jo is a figure with strong charisma. Having served in various key positions within the National Police Agency, he has developed a meticulous work style that values principles. Considering the characteristics of the police organization, which numbers 140,000 personnel, charisma is a necessary virtue, but sometimes gentle leadership is also required. This involves understanding the difficulties of frontline officers and comforting their pain. Can Commissioner Jo successfully balance strength and gentleness as a leader? He has a clear conviction on this matter.

Commissioner Jo emphasized, "It is not the Commissioner General who should be the star, but the frontline police officers. They reassure and move the public." He aims to be a reliable support so that frontline officers can feel fulfilled and perform their roles fully. Police officers must be at crime scenes and sometimes protect citizens' lives even when their own lives are threatened. This is why Commissioner Jo is deeply committed to health and physical fitness management.

Police Chief Jo Ji-ho is being interviewed by Asia Economy at the National Police Agency in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jo Yong-jun

Commissioner Jo strives to maintain physical fitness above the police average himself. His daily routine reflects this. His morning routine includes stretching, squats, and push-ups. Despite being in his mid-50s, he boasts flexibility comparable to that of a young person, thanks to his habitual lifestyle. On weekends without special schedules, he climbs Inwangsan Mountain or walks the surrounding trails. As he organizes his body and mind, his vitality naturally recharges.

Commissioner Jo has enjoyed playing soccer since long ago. Until his 40s, he was active in the police soccer club. Since taking on key police roles, he no longer participates in the soccer club as before but continues to focus on physical fitness through hiking and walking. To faithfully fulfill the heavy responsibilities of the Commissioner General, he puts effort into approaching life with a clear and alert posture.

Commissioner Jo has been in office for less than 100 days. Both the police organization and the public are curious about what kind of Commissioner General he will become. Throughout the interview, Commissioner Jo repeatedly emphasized the people. He believes that maintaining a people-first attitude is essential to uphold South Korea's status as a security powerhouse. He also made this request to the police organization.

"The police must enter the community, breathe with the citizens, and resolve conflicts and difficulties."

Below is the full Q&A with Commissioner General Jo Ji-ho.

-It has been 80 days since you took office as Commissioner General. What are your reflections so far?

▲It is a given proposition that public officials look only to the people. Police cannot help but operate with a civil servant-centered mindset. Changing that perspective is important. Only then can the police organization become healthy and gain public support. The police must understand what the people want and respond accordingly. If the Commissioner General leads the way in reforming the administrative system and presents concrete measures, I believe things will definitely change.

-When you travel abroad, you feel the excellence of South Korea's security. What is your assessment of South Korea's policing?

▲Foreigners unanimously say that Korea's security is the best in the world after visiting the country and give it a thumbs-up. In the past, when thinking of exemplary police, people thought of the UK, but now they say Seoul police are far superior to London police. The evaluation that we have surpassed the UK police, which we once considered a role model, is a source of pride not only for the police but for all citizens.

-Leadership is important to lead the police organization. What philosophy have you developed through your experiences?

▲When I first became a superintendent in the police organization, I pondered what the role of a manager is and reached three conclusions. First, to create an environment where employees can work well; second, to help employees when they face difficulties; and third, to take responsibility when problems arise.

Police Chief Jo Ji-ho is walking around the National Police Agency in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jo Yong-jun

-You changed the reporting system soon after taking office. What was the background and positive effects?

▲At the National Police Agency, the Commissioner General is the top decision-maker on major policy issues, and directors are responsible for their respective duties. The ideal model is for these two to meet and discuss. The previous decision-making structure, where section chiefs acted as messengers between the Commissioner General and directors, was inefficient and prone to malfunction. With the directors' support, decision-making has become faster, and confusion has greatly decreased.

-Crimes are now transnational. International cooperation has become more important. What efforts is the police making?

▲There are many crimes crossing borders, such as voice phishing, drugs, and investment scam chat rooms. Since we cannot investigate in foreign countries, cooperation with foreign investigative agencies has become crucial. We are strengthening cooperation with major countries. I personally travel abroad and invite heads of investigative agencies from target countries for meetings. We also provide over 1.5 billion KRW annually in funding to Interpol in preparation for cooperation with third countries.

-With changes in crime types, police duties are increasing. Shouldn't police personnel be increased?

▲The ideal solution to frontline officers' difficulties is personnel reinforcement. We continuously request increases, but due to national financial conditions, we cannot increase indefinitely. We are also exploring ways to work efficiently with current personnel. We reduce unnecessary tasks and focus on core duties. The National Investigation Headquarters and provincial police agencies analyze cases and promote joint investigations, achieving personnel savings.

Police Chief Jo Ji-ho is walking around the National Police Agency in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, and giving an interview to Asia Economy. Photo by Jo Yong-jun

-Deepfake sexual crimes have become a social issue. Is cooperation in Telegram investigations going well?

▲Most foreign messenger companies cooperate well with investigations, but Telegram has been uncooperative. We have continuously pressured Telegram, and as a result, their stance has changed significantly. There has been a progressive change in their position. Cooperation at a level similar to other foreign platform companies is highly likely.

-People feel uneasy about abnormal motive crimes. What measures are there?

▲Crimes with clear motives can be predicted and prepared for. However, abnormal motive crimes lack motives and are unpredictable. The police continuously analyze the characteristics of such crimes and are developing diagnostic models. If all goes well, these will be developed next year. Even before then, we analyze tendencies of abnormal motive crimes and focus on management at the police level.

-What goals do you have as Commissioner General?

▲I go to work every morning imagining the police being made to look like true police. I dedicate myself to the work as if today were my last day in office. We must restore the good DNA of our police.

Interview by Ryu Jeong-min, Head of Social Affairs

Compiled by Lim Chun-han, Reporter

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