Approval of Two Agendas: 'Formation of Autonomous Police Subcommittee' and 'Establishment of On-site Police Capacity Enhancement Subcommittee'
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced on the 27th that it held the 2nd meeting of the Police System Development Committee at the Government Seoul Office and resolved two agenda items: the 'Formation of the Autonomous Police Subcommittee' and the 'Establishment of the On-site Police Capacity Enhancement Subcommittee.'
The Police System Development Committee was established under the Prime Minister on September 6 to improve the police system for democratic operation and efficient mission performance of the police, and will operate for six months until March 5 next year.
The Autonomous Police Subcommittee consists of a total of six members, including three civilian members and three government members, and focuses on discussing pilot implementation plans for the dual system of autonomous police and improvements in the current system operation. Civilian members include Kim Seon-taek, a member of the Police System Development Committee, Professor Kang Ki-hong of the University of Science and Technology, and Professor Lee Sang-hoon of Daejeon University. Government members include heads of departments related to autonomous police from the National Police Agency and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. The subcommittee meetings are scheduled to be held every two weeks, with interim reports to the Police System Development Committee every two months, and on-site opinion gathering and public hearings will be conducted as needed.
The On-site Police Capacity Enhancement Subcommittee will discuss institutional improvement plans necessary to strengthen police capabilities, with 6 to 7 members including civilian and government members participating. Civilian members expected to participate include Lee Woong-hyuk, Yoon Dong-ho, Ko Myung-seok, and Woo Seung-ah from the Police System Development Committee, while government members will include heads of departments from the National Police Agency and the Coast Guard. The subcommittee meetings will be held every three weeks and operate by reporting reviewed matters to the Police System Development Committee.
The main discussion topics include the state responsibility system for police injury compensation and legal dispute support measures, strengthening cooperation among institutions related to the transfer and protection of mentally ill and intoxicated persons, improvements in investigation and victim protection systems related to stalking and digital sex crimes, and support for scientific policing infrastructure.
Meanwhile, at this 2nd meeting, reports were made on improvements to the Korean National Police University, the improvement of police officers' treatment, and the multiple rank system of the National Police Agency. Regarding improvements to the Police University, basic information such as the history, organization, personnel, and functions of the Police University, as well as reforms made by previous governments, were shared. Regarding the improvement of police officers' treatment, a report was made on the need for salary adjustments considering the special nature of the harsh police field work.
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety explained, "Matters related to improvements to the Police University and the multiple rank system will be reported again to the Police System Development Committee later, considering the opinions presented at this meeting and the progress of interdepartmental consultations," and added, "The next meeting will be held on November 1."
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