Police University Opens 'International Counterterrorism Research Center'

Opening Ceremony of the Police University International Counterterrorism Research Center.
[Photo by National Police Agency]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] The police's first counterterrorism "think tank" has opened its doors at the Korean National Police University. On the morning of the 17th, the Police University held an opening ceremony for the "International Counterterrorism Research Center," a research organization dedicated to counterterrorism, at the Police University in Asan, Chungnam.

About 40 heads of counterterrorism-related agencies, including former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, attended the opening ceremony. The International Counterterrorism Research Center is organized as an expert group consisting of advisory and research committee members, along with a study club composed of frontline police officers, graduate students in security studies, and police university students. Collaborating with domestic and international counterterrorism agencies and expert groups, the center focuses on research in six areas: counterterrorism trends, laws and systems, safety measures, terrorist organizations, terrorist methods, and terrorist tactics. The center is headed by Professor Lee Byung-seok of the Department of Police Science.

Kim Chang-ryong, Commissioner of the National Police Agency, stated, "The International Counterterrorism Research Center will conduct comprehensive and in-depth research related to terrorism," adding, "It will further strengthen police counterterrorism policies and is expected to grow into a global cradle of counterterrorism scholarship, similar to the RAND Corporation in the United States, known as a global brain trust."

Prior to the opening ceremony, the Police University signed a cooperation agreement with the Korea Military Academy to mutually collaborate on research and education in the field of counterterrorism. Through this agreement, the Police University and the Military Academy will establish a military-police cooperation system by promoting joint research and academic events, exchanging research personnel, and sharing information and materials.