Police Union Holding Solo Protests and Promotional Activities: "Establishing Police Bureau Is a Step Backward"

Issues Raised on Police Independence and Procedural Flaws
Action Requested from Yoon Hee-geun, Candidate for Commissioner of Police Agency: "Direct Involvement Would Be a Great Help"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Gong Byung-sun] The Police Officers' Association (POA) has protested and launched promotional activities against the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's (MOIS) establishment of a Police Bureau. They criticized the process of creating the Police Bureau and demanded action from Yoon Hee-geun, the nominee for Commissioner of the National Police Agency.

On the morning of the 25th, the POA held solo protests in front of the National Police Agency located in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, and conducted promotional activities opposing the establishment of the Police Bureau in front of Seoul Station. The solo protests were carried out in shifts of one hour each by Kang Hak-seon, president of the POA at Cheongju Cheongwon Police Station; Joo Dong-hee, president of the POA at Gyeongnam Yangsan Police Station; and Kim Yeon-sik, a police inspector at Gyeongnam Police Agency. At Seoul Station, Min Kwan-gi, president of the POA at Cheongju Heungdeok Police Station, led the promotional activities. The police handed out leaflets to passersby detailing the problems with establishing the Police Bureau.

They argued that the establishment of the Police Bureau would undermine police independence. Inspector Kim held a placard stating, "We oppose the MOIS's establishment of the Police Bureau, which is a step backward," and said, "From the public's perspective, the police may be seen as having power, but concentrating that power is more problematic. We believe democratic control is necessary, so power should not be centralized." President Min also explained, "If MOIS takes authority over personnel matters, police officers will become cautious. If policies mainly come from above, it will ultimately harm the public."

They also emphasized procedural flaws in the establishment of the Police Bureau. Inspector Kim said, "They say the legislative notice process will take only four days, but there are many things to consider, such as gathering public opinion. During this period, there was no communication at all with frontline police officers." He added, "Although Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min held meetings at various local police agencies, opposition to the Police Bureau was not reflected and was instead treated as a kind of carrot offering."

They criticized the initiation of disciplinary procedures against Ryu Sam-young, chief of Ulsan Jungbu Police Station, and the decision to start an inspection of participants in the nationwide police chiefs' meeting. President Kang said, "Prosecutors hold meetings for ordinary prosecutors, but calling it collective insubordination just because the police held a meeting is illogical." Regarding future measures, he said, "There are talks within the POA about filing an injunction, but no concrete legal actions have been taken yet." President Min expressed regret over the rushed inspection, stating, "We strongly protest the National Police Agency's decision at the POA level."

They also demanded that nominee Yoon take action for frontline police officers. President Kang said, "Yoon probably has a personal stance, so it might be difficult for him to speak out, but if he acts directly, it would be a great support for the police organization." Inspector Kim added, "I hope Yoon shows that the police is a healthy organization. We also ask for the public's support."