Police Chief: "Police Misconduct Has Decreased but We Apologize... Will Continue Efforts"

Yoon Hee-geun, Commissioner of the National Police Agency, recently expressed his intention to continue "fundamental efforts" regarding the series of misconducts by police officers.

At a regular press briefing held on the 15th, Commissioner Yoon said, "It is undoubtedly the ultimate goal for an organization of 140,000 members to operate without even minor violations of duty, but regrettably, such incidents have occurred, and as the commissioner, I feel sorry and apologetic," adding, "We will continue fundamental efforts even after the special alert."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, the National Police Agency issued a 'Special Alert to Eradicate Duty Violations' from the 7th of last month until the 11th. During this period, the police conducted special inspection activities at all police stations and imposed aggravated punishments on those who violated duties. It was also announced that police chiefs would be strictly disciplined if they showed insufficient management responsibility.

Fortunately, during this period, police misconduct cases decreased by about 30% compared to the same period before the alert was issued. Regarding this, Commissioner Yoon said, "I do not want to say that there was an effect based on the numbers," and added, "There were duty violations including drinking, and it must never be perceived that it is acceptable to resume such behavior just because the special alert has ended."

He continued, "Fundamentally, many people pointed out organizational culture and changes among members, and we will respond sequentially," adding, "At the nationwide command workshop, commanders also deliberated on this theme, and we will create an atmosphere where everyone makes efforts."

Meanwhile, regarding the possibility of extraditing Kwon Do-hyung, the key figure in the 'Terra·Luna' crash incident, amid criticism of the international cooperation system, Commissioner Yoon stated, "The issue is not with the cooperation system at all," emphasizing, "Basically, the extradition procedure is overseen by each country's Ministry of Justice, which negotiates the extradition process, and the police support swift arrest and extradition through Interpol." He added, "Although the second trial court decided in favor of extradition to Korea, the process is currently stalled at the Supreme Court."