Police express dissatisfaction with prosecution's opposition to 'Geomsu Wanbak'... "Are we the neighborhood punching bag?"

Criticism of Prosecutors on Police Internal Bulletin
"They Keep Picking on the Police Who Stay Quiet"

"Stop insulting the police officers on the ground."

Internal dissatisfaction within the police force is rising in response to the prosecution's openly stated opposition to the complete removal of prosecution's investigative authority (Geomsu Wanbak). The prosecution argues that if Geomsu Wanbak is implemented, criminals will not be properly punished, and the resulting harm will be passed on to the public. Field police officers are resisting this logic, saying it is based on the premise that "only the prosecution can eradicate crime in our country, and the police are incompetent."

According to a compilation of Asia Economy's coverage on the 14th, a post titled "The police are not an easy target" was uploaded on the police internal bulletin board the day before. The author, an investigative examiner at a frontline police station, said, "The prosecution is picking on the police who are just standing still," and added, "Claiming that police investigations will be delayed if the prosecution's investigative authority is removed is just a trick to avoid prosecution reform." He also pointed out, "While it is true that cases are being received, the reason for delays in police investigations is that experienced investigators avoid working in poor investigative departments," and said, "Using delays in police investigations as a reason to oppose Geomsu Wanbak is laughable."

This investigative examiner also criticized, "The current collective action by the prosecution is, in short, public officials threatening the National Assembly and ministers, and even the president, to protect their organization's vested interests," and called it "nothing more than the bullying behavior of local thugs picking on the quietly diligent police." He continued, "Until now, haven't they conducted investigations as they pleased, resigned when things went wrong, and then lived well by accumulating wealth through preferential treatment as former prosecutors?" He wrote, "For the sake of the people, it is only natural to reflect on past mistakes, repent sincerely, and accept (prosecution reform). Please stop picking on the powerless and unconnected police."

This dissatisfaction aligns with a post made on the 12th by Min Gwan-gi, the representative of the National Police Workplace Council. Min previously posted on the internal network titled "Prosecutors, do not insult police officers!!" saying, "When I see the prosecution's words and actions that stab a dagger into the hearts of our field police officers, I cannot contain my anger." In this post, Min appealed, "Even now, prosecutors warn that if their investigative authority is taken away, the police will botch cases, lack ability to resolve them, cases will pile up, and the public will suffer tremendous harm. Please stop insulting the nationwide investigative police officers who roam the field to handle complaints, arrest violent criminals, and protect victims." He also wrote, "Prosecutors who claim that the adjustment of investigative authority has increased public harm should, if truly worried about delays in case handling, propose reducing prosecution office personnel and transferring them to the police agency. I hope this message reaches the prosecutors striving to block the Geomsu Wanbak bill."

Min's post received hundreds of supportive comments. Most agreed with remarks such as, "We should be angry at the prosecution mocking the police organization that has been struggling all this time to protect their vested interests." There were also many comments supporting Geomsu Wanbak, such as, "If it is for the people’s livelihood and the public rather than political logic, Geomsu Wanbak is common sense and rational." The Police Workplace Council is reportedly considering issuing a statement reflecting these voices.