[MZ Police Officer] "Building Relationships Is Public Safety... A Police Officer Who Listens to and Records the Voices of Foreigners"

No. 38
Lee Changhee, Officer, Metropolitan Intelligence Team 1,
Public Security Intelligence Division,
Gyeonggi Northern Provincial Police Agency

Editor's NoteThe era of Generation Z is here. New employees in their 20s and 30s are now shaping the future of organizational culture. The police are no exception. The police force is made up of a variety of departments, including criminal investigation, investigations, security, intelligence, traffic, general affairs, public relations, audit, and women and youth affairs. The work environment varies depending on whether one is at a provincial agency, police station, mobile unit, or local precinct, and the nature of the work differs greatly by region. From the perspective of the youngest officers, we introduce their departments and share vivid stories about their work and lives as they see them.

"The key to information gathering is building relationships with foreigners. If you take your time, maintain basic manners, and meet over a long period, you’ll eventually hear honest stories," he said.

On the afternoon of September 9, Officer Lee Changhee (28), a foreign affairs cooperation officer with the Metropolitan Intelligence Team 1 at the Gyeonggi Northern Provincial Police Agency, stated, "Reflecting the voices of foreigners in policy and blocking potential risks at an early stage directly leads to public safety." Officer Lee monitors not only signs of crime but also broader issues in foreign communities, such as worker accommodations, student visas, and religious organization activities.

On the 9th, Officer Lee Changhee of the Northern Gyeonggi Provincial Police Agency is being interviewed by Asia Economy. Provided by Northern Gyeonggi Provincial Police Agency

Foreign Affairs Cooperation Officers Supporting Coexistence with Foreigners

The Metropolitan Intelligence Team 1 identifies gaps in policy in the field and proposes improvement measures. The team compiles information gathered from interactions with both institutions and local residents into reports, which, when discussed with relevant departments, lead to institutional enhancements. Out of the 17 team members, 4 serve as foreign affairs cooperation officers.

Their main mission goes beyond crime prevention to helping foreigners settle stably in Korea. Wage arrears are a representative issue. Officer Lee said, "Helping foreigners live better lives in Korean society ultimately protects the safety of our entire society."

Officer Lee joined the police force in January 2022 through a special Chinese language recruitment (309th class). His first assignment was at the foreign affairs division of the Yangju Police Station. Having attended an international school in China for 10 years and made friends of various nationalities, this experience has become a great asset in his current work. He explained, "I naturally learned how to accept differences," and "I chose to become a foreign affairs officer to make use of that experience and my Chinese language skills."

Officer Lee tracked down illegal 'mahjong' gambling among Chinese international students. Although mahjong is a traditional Chinese game, it becomes illegal when played for money. There were reports that some students were playing mahjong in board game cafes, so he checked their movement routes and examined CCTV locations, carefully gathering evidence. He recalled, "It was tense because I had to make judgments based only on visible clues in situations where I couldn’t go in directly," and "Thanks to my observation skills, I was able to collect highly reliable information."

On the 9th, Officer Lee Changhee of the Northern Gyeonggi Provincial Police Agency is being interviewed by Asia Economy. Provided by Northern Gyeonggi Provincial Police Agency

Information Gathering Work: Teamwork Is Also Important

Officer Lee cited 'building rapport' as the most important quality in information gathering. "At first, I try to close the distance by sharing a meal or having casual conversations," he said. "If you approach someone too quickly, they close up, but if you meet steadily, they may open up and share important stories first."

The information collected is compiled into reports, with an average of 25 reports written each month. He said, "You have to cross-check what you hear in the field through various channels to verify its accuracy," and "I feel the greatest sense of accomplishment when a meticulously written report leads to policy improvements or investigations."

Although information gathering work may appear to be individual activity on the surface, teamwork is actually essential. Officer Lee said, "Even with the same issue, each officer may have a completely different perspective," and "When colleagues fill in the viewpoints I missed, it completes the puzzle. Information only flows properly when team members clearly share and coordinate their thoughts."

His day starts with report writing in the morning, followed by meetings with foreign workers or representatives of religious organizations around lunchtime. In the afternoon, he travels between Yangju and Goyang for fieldwork, and after work, he maintains his fitness through exercise. "Physical strength is fundamental for intelligence officers," he said. "You need to build the stamina to endure constant field activities."

Officer Lee expressed, "I hope foreigners in Korea see the police not as a source of fear but as approachable," and added, "Approaching foreign communities like a friend is, in the long run, the way to protect the safety of Korean society as a whole." He explained that while many foreigners may be wary due to issues like illegal stay, the police also play a role in listening to their difficulties and seeking solutions.

Regarding his future goals, Officer Lee said, "I want my name to come to mind when people think of police officers handling foreign affairs at the Gyeonggi Northern Provincial Police Agency," and "If I continue to diligently accumulate even the smallest pieces of information, I believe my name will one day be associated with trust."