Jeon Hee-ryong, Governor of Jeju, Says "Nationalization of Autonomous Police Goes Against Residents' Safety"

Expression of Regret over the Proposal to Amend the Autonomous Police Act at the 46th Si-Do Governors' Council General Assembly

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Chang-won] Won Hee-ryong, Governor of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, expressed regret on the 6th regarding the amendment to the Autonomous Police Act proposed by Assemblyman Kim Young-bae (Democratic Party, Seoul Seongbuk-gap).

Governor Won stated at the 46th Korea Governors Association General Assembly held via video conference that "if the amendment to the Autonomous Police Act passes, the autonomous police will be incorporated into the national police," adding, "this could lead to results that go against the safety and order maintenance duties for local residents."

The general assembly was originally scheduled to be held in Daegu City but was replaced by a video conference due to heavy rain damage in the central region.

Governor Won explained, "Jeju's autonomous police are responsible not only for crackdowns on tourism disruption and environmental damage but also for COVID-19 related contact tracing," and added, "the flexible operation of the autonomous police enables rapid response, earning trust from the residents."

He continued, "If the autonomous police become part of the national police, organizational expansion and rigidity will prevent swift responses to tasks reflecting regional characteristics and various issues closely related to residents' lives," expressing concern that "as a result, residents' complaints or tasks may be transferred to administration, increasing administrative burdens."

He also requested active cooperation from other cities and provinces, stating, "The seriousness of this issue must be properly recognized by the Korea Governors Association to officially submit a unified opinion and persuade members of the National Assembly."

In response, Chairman Kwon Young-jin of the association emphasized, "Jeju's autonomous police issue is a very important matter," and said, "the Korea Governors Association should gather opinions and ensure they are reflected in the amendment process."

He added, "To ensure the original intent of the autonomous police system is reflected, the association should present opinions and prepare solutions such as promoting joint public hearings with National Assembly members during the bill discussion process."

In particular, the meeting adopted the "Joint Statement of Korea Governors for Strengthening Regional Public Healthcare Systems and Revitalizing the Regional Economy," urging the government to strengthen public healthcare, regional quarantine systems, medical autonomy, and regional economic revitalization through locally led New Deal initiatives.

Meanwhile, the 14th executive team was formed at the meeting, with Song Ha-jin, Governor of Jeonbuk Province, elected as the new chairman. Vice-chairmen and auditors will be elected later.