Yoon Hee-geun, Commissioner of the National Police Agency, "Democratic Control Must Balance Neutrality and Accountability"

New Police Commissioner Yoon Hee-geun is presiding over a nationwide police video conference held at the Police Agency in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, on the 11th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] Yoon Hee-geun, the newly appointed Commissioner General of the National Police Agency, stated on the 11th, "Democratic control, neutrality, and accountability of the police must harmonize and coexist."

On the morning of the same day, during the first nationwide police video conference since his inauguration, Commissioner Yoon emphasized, "I promise to do my best to ensure that the essential values of the police are not compromised during the operation of the system." He also announced, "We will form a Police System Development Task Force within the National Police Agency to focus on four major issues: strengthening police neutrality and accountability, implementing a multiple rank system, increasing base salaries, and enhancing investigative capabilities."

Commissioner Yoon further stressed that public safety and law compliance will be the goals the police must pursue going forward. He said, "Recently, malicious fraud crimes, including jeonse fraud, have caused widespread damage, and addictive crimes such as drugs and gambling have become major concerns." He added, "The police will take the lead in establishing a close cooperative system with related agencies as a platform to fundamentally solve public security issues and gather societal capabilities." He also stated, "Law and order are the foundational strength that keeps the community healthy and the basis of public safety," and pledged, "We will spread the perception that 'following the law is beneficial' through strict law enforcement against disorder and law violations."

He also promised organizational reform. He said, "The center of change is undoubtedly the future," and pledged, "We will thoroughly review organizational structures and working methods from the ground up to prepare ahead for upcoming environmental changes and lead global police cooperation to become the world's best police force." Furthermore, he stated, "We will improve the treatment and welfare infrastructure for members to create a lively organizational culture and enhance police officers' pride."

Commissioner Yoon expressed his apology to the public, saying, "I am sorry for causing concern due to recent controversies related to police system improvements," and added, "Like the ground hardening after rain, we will use this opportunity to unite more strongly and protect the public with integrity while upholding the value of fairness." He concluded his remarks by asking, "I ask for your support as our police, standing at a new starting line, open a safe and just future."

Earlier, President Yoon Seok-yeol approved Commissioner Yoon's appointment the previous afternoon and presented him with the appointment letter. After paying respects at the National Cemetery, Commissioner Yoon skipped the inauguration ceremony and visited frontline police stations as his first official duty. He encouraged staff at Gangnam Police Station and the Investigation Police Station and urged strict crackdowns on malicious fraud and drug offenders, which the government has emphasized.