Police System Development Committee Holds 9th Meeting... Discussing Reform Plans for Police University

Discussion on Strengthening Field Police Capabilities Also Underway

On the 21st, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced that it held the 9th meeting of the ‘Police System Development Committee’ at the Government Seoul Office.

At this 9th meeting, topics related to the reform plan of the Korean National Police University and the enhancement of field police capabilities were discussed.

Regarding the first agenda item, the reform plan of the Korean National Police University, discussions were held on improving the current system where graduates of the Police University are automatically appointed as lieutenants without a separate exam, resolving the monopolistic structure of certain backgrounds in senior police positions, and strengthening police expertise.

To address these issues, options such as requiring Police University graduates to be appointed as lieutenants through a separate exam and abolishing the bachelor's degree program at the Police University were discussed. Regarding the implementation of a lieutenant entrance exam, it was noted that while this could somewhat alleviate fairness issues caused by the automatic appointment of Police University graduates as lieutenants, concerns remain about fairness in eligibility, as only a small number of Police University graduates would be allowed to take the exam, and the administrative burden caused by conducting a separate exam was also pointed out.

Various discussions were also held regarding the abolition of the Police University’s bachelor's degree program and its reorganization into a specialized educational institution. On the positive side, it was mentioned that this could resolve issues such as Police University graduates, who are trained with national budget funds, leaving for private sectors like law schools, the monopolization of senior police positions by Police University alumni, and fairness issues with police departments at general universities. However, it was also pointed out that measures to attract outstanding talent need to be considered.

Regarding the second agenda item, the enhancement of field police capabilities, a report was given on the current status, problems, and future improvement plans related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among maritime police officers. Additionally, a report was made on the “Act on the Establishment and Operation of Private Maritime Rescue Teams,” which is currently pending in the National Assembly.

The next meeting is scheduled to be held on the 11th of next month.