[Reporter’s Notebook] Why Are the Police Who Once Demanded Neutrality Now Silent?

Superintendents’ Meeting Attendees Advance to Commissioner Ranks
Those Who Defied the Administration for Investigative Independence Now Promoted
Silent on Fears of Subordination Ahead of Investigative System Overhaul

"They have been properly rewarded. Now isn't it time for them to show their loyalty?"

The National Police Agency appointed 28 senior superintendents as candidates for promotion to commissioner-general on April 3. As the list was being read out, one police executive made this cynical remark. Commissioner-general is the fourth-highest rank in the police hierarchy. More than half of those nominated—16 individuals—either attended or expressed support for the "Senior Superintendents’ Meeting" in July 2022, which publicly opposed the establishment of the Police Bureau under the Yoon Suk Yeol administration. For those who were demoted for demanding investigative independence, this is a rightful restoration of honor.

The real issue comes next. The abolition of the Prosecutors’ Office and the launch of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency are now just six months away. The police will be reborn as a giant investigative body overseeing the entire process from initiation to closure of investigations. The new Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, likely to be staffed largely by former police officers, will also fall under the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. Effectively, all investigations will be under the supervision of the interior minister. Some are pointing out that this is perhaps the most perfect structure for wielding the "sword of power" on behalf of the administration.

Last year, President Lee Jaemyung remarked at a cabinet meeting, "If you become the head of the National Investigation Headquarters, can you conduct investigations without any oversight, doing as you please? Even prosecutors are subject to the Justice Minister's direction—this is odd." From its inception, the National Investigation Headquarters was designed to be insulated from the police chief’s command, precisely to guarantee investigative independence. As the president noted, oversight of the police is necessary. However, the idea of the government directly commanding investigative agencies, rather than maintaining a balance between them, is dangerous. The police, as they did four years ago by convening the Senior Superintendents’ Meeting, have every right to demand measures that guarantee independence and political neutrality. Yet, since the adjustment of investigative powers between the police and prosecutors, things have been quieter than ever.

The core of the judicial reform being pushed by the Democratic Party is to abolish the Prosecutors’ Office, transfer all investigative powers to the police, and grant the Constitutional Court a fourth-instance review through judicial petitions. This presupposes, first and foremost, that the police will conduct investigations better and more fairly than prosecutors. However, the police are already facing criticism for being overly sensitive to the political climate. A prime example is the sluggish investigation—ongoing for over half a year—into allegations of illicit campaign donations involving a former floor leader of the ruling party.

At the Police Human Resources Development Institute, where the Senior Superintendents’ Meeting was held, an exhibition was unveiled last November. The names of 364 people, including the 55 attendees and their supporters, were engraved and arranged in the shape of a rose of Sharon. Yoo Jaeseong, acting commissioner-general of the National Police Agency, repeatedly emphasized the political neutrality of the police, praising the meeting as a historic act.

The judiciary is a process of pursuing the truth and uncovering the facts. The moment standards are swayed by those in power, justice loses its place. Even as the nation faces the greatest turning point in its history, the police remain silent. Can they find their voice in the days ahead? Why are the very police officers who once stood up against state control now so quiet?

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