[MZ Police Officer] Surrounded by Drunk and Homeless People in the Heart of the Enemy Territory... Survival Diary of the Youngest Officers at Jungang District Police Station

Youngest Police Officers at Yeongdeungpo Central Precinct in Seoul
Receive Up to 80 Reports During Night Shifts Only
Strongly United Amid Busy Days, Showing Diverse Activities

Editor's NoteGeneration Z is coming. It is an era where new employees in their 20s and 30s decide the future of organizational culture. The police are no exception. The police have various departments such as criminal investigation, investigation, security, intelligence, traffic, administration, public relations, audit, and women & youth. The working environments differ across city and provincial police offices, police stations, riot police units, and district police stations or police boxes, and the tasks vary greatly by region. From the perspective of the youngest police officers, we introduce their departments and hear vivid stories about their thoughts on work and life.

"The Jungang Police Box is right in the middle of Yeongdeungpo 3-ga. It's like being in the heart of enemy territory."

Police Officer Park Subin (left) and Police Officer Choi Won are talking after finishing their patrol at the Jungang Police Substation, Yeongdeungpo Police Station, Seoul, on the 16th. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

On the afternoon of the 16th, we visited the Jungang Police Box of the Yeongdeungpo Police Station located near Yeongdeungpo Station in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. Patrol Officers Choi Won (32) and Park Subin (28), whom we met that day, said, "Since the police box is directly adjacent to streets with many bars and entertainment establishments, people tend to think it would have a crime prevention effect, but in reality, this is the area with the most reports."

Among the police boxes and police posts under the Seoul Yeongdeungpo Police Station, which is considered one of the busiest police stations nationwide, the Jungang Police Box is famous for having the highest number of incidents and accidents. Due to its location near entertainment venues and many homeless people, there are many reports and incidents daily, making it a constant battleground. This place, staffed with five relatively large teams and about 80 veteran officers, is where the 'youngest patrol officers' struggle every day. We listened to their stories.

Officer Choi, appointed as a police officer in 2021, was originally in a mobile unit but enthusiastically requested to be assigned here last July. He said, "I knew it would be busier than other places, but I thought I could work more enjoyably, so I applied. Since coming here, most days have been hectic, but I think it allows us to work closely and laugh together as a team." Even during our conversation, reports and radio communications to the Jungang Police Box did not stop.

Officer Park, appointed in 2022, has been working at the Jungang Police Box for two years since her first assignment, showing various achievements. Senior members of Patrol Team 2 at the Jungang Police Box unanimously said, "Officer Park is fearless and bold, stepping forward to restrain even difficult situations like dealing with intoxicated individuals." Officer Park said, "There are relatively many young staff, and maintaining close relationships gives me great strength in doing my work."

Police Officer Park Subin (left) and Police Officer Choi Won (second from right) are talking with their seniors after finishing their patrol at the Yeongdeungpo Police Station Central Precinct in Seoul on the 16th. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

At 7 p.m., after handing over duties and shift change with the daytime team, their night shift began. Usually, responding to civil complaints and patrolling are the main tasks, but at the Jungang Police Box, most of the time is spent responding to reports after receiving them. Up to 80 reports can be received during the night shift from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. Officer Park explained, "Most reports are related to intoxicated individuals, but when we respond, even if not with weapons, many are fighting while holding something like a bottle. Since there are many lodging businesses, there are also occasional sex-related incidents such as hidden camera recordings."

Because so many incidents occur at the Jungang Police Box, quick action before a major situation arises is the top priority. Officer Choi said, "Usually, one patrol car moves per report at police boxes, but at Jungang Police Box, two cars with a total of four officers almost always respond. Because we try to resolve things as quickly and well as possible, dangerous situations rarely occur."

Having dealt with many intoxicated individuals and homeless people, they have developed their own know-how. Officer Choi explained, "First, I listen to what they want to say and try to empathize, even if I don't agree, making eye contact to try to resolve the situation. If they keep repeating themselves or communication is impossible, I speak firmly and take action." Officer Park said, "Many homeless people visit the police box without reason, but most are familiar faces. If they are there without special circumstances, we firmly warn or take action."

Around 8 p.m. on the 16th, patrol cars were out patrolling every alley in Yeongdeungpo 3-ga, but citizens were walking through the streets without paying any attention. Officer Choi Won (left) repeatedly spoke into the microphone saying, "Passing through." Photo by Yeom Da-yeon.

From around 8 p.m., we rode together in a patrol car for 30 minutes, patrolling near Yeongdeungpo Station and the bar district. Despite the rainy and chilly weather, it was a weekend evening, and it was quite difficult for the patrol car to enter through the crowds. Officer Choi repeatedly announced through the microphone, "Passing through." He said, "Usually, people think they will move aside when a patrol car passes, but they only do so when we say 'passing through' on the microphone. Some complain about the siren noise or even make rude gestures," he lamented.

Officer Park explained, "During patrols, we often find people sleeping on the street due to intoxication. In such cases, we wake them and move them to a safe place, or if they are unconscious, we take them to the police box for protective measures and hand them over to guardians." She added, "Most intoxication-related reports come in from 9 p.m. to midnight, which is when the first round of drinking ends. Since it is relatively early, there are usually no unusual incidents."

While patrolling, a report came in about a traffic accident between an electric bicycle and a vehicle near Yeongdeungpo Station. After confirming the exact location through a call with the reporter, they arrived at the scene within five minutes. Although there was no direct contact, the electric bicycle rider fell due to the vehicle, causing the accident. Fortunately, no serious injuries occurred, and the matter was resolved by agreement between the two drivers without filing an accident report.

However, during the investigation, it was revealed that the electric bicycle rider was driving without a license. The rider pleaded, "Since there was an accident, please just let it go this once." Officer Park firmly explained, "Since this has become a separate case, we cannot overlook it. You can state anything you want in the statement." She also advised, "Because aftereffects can be serious, you must visit a hospital." When the rider said they didn't know how to write the statement, Officer Choi read out what to write, one character at a time. He even shone a flashlight to help, saying, "Write comfortably as if talking to the bicycle."

The scene near Yeongdeungpo Station on the 16th where an electric bicycle rider was caught driving without a license. Police Officer Choi Won (left) and Police Officer Park Subin (second from left) are assisting the rider in writing a statement. Photo by Yeom Dayeon

After all situations were settled and on the way back to the police box, Officer Choi said, "You have to watch your words when riding in a patrol car. If you say something like 'It's a bit quiet today,' suddenly many reports might come in." He also laughed, saying, "Being a police officer has given me occupational habits. I keep looking for emergency exits or watch people acting strangely in places like subways."

They cited 'emotional labor' as the most difficult aspect of working at the police box. While physical labor such as restraining homeless or intoxicated individuals who cause trouble or cleaning up after them urinate or defecate in the patrol car is not easy, the mental stress is even greater.

Officer Park confessed, "Everything else is fine, and I don't hold grudges, but when they curse while mentioning my family, I feel bad all day." Officer Choi said with a wry smile, "There are even absurd reports like 'I can't get a taxi, so please take me home.' I honestly didn't expect people to ignore police officers' words this much."

Although police work is generally perceived as making it difficult to maintain 'work-life balance,' working at a police box has the advantage of shifts divided into day and night. However, they cautioned that the time difference can make it hard for the body to adjust. Officer Choi said, "Before becoming a police officer, I worked at a semiconductor design company where if I went to work on Monday, I would leave on Wednesday. Having guaranteed commuting hours and no work extension is a big advantage." Officer Park added, "Since we have many days off when others are working, it's less crowded when going out. Because we work in a 5-team, 3-shift system, using just two days of annual leave can give you up to seven days off." She added, "Working from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. can be physically challenging. Although there is about three hours of standby time, I can't sleep deeply, so I get tired."

Choi Won (right) Police Officer and Park Su-bin Police Officer are posing after finishing their patrol at the Jungang Police Substation of Yeongdeungpo Police Station in Seoul on the 10th. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

Although they fight a daily battle, the driving force that keeps them going is very small things. Officer Park cited the moments she felt rewarded while working at the Jungang Police Box as "when citizens nearby cheer and thank us for our hard work after handling a report," and Officer Choi mentioned, "A few days ago, I solved a laptop theft report, and the citizen posted a compliment on the Yeongdeungpo Police Station's praise board." Occasionally, citizens leave drinks or chicken at the police box without saying a word, as if recognizing their efforts.

As the 'youngest police officers,' they also had clear concerns and goals they could pursue. Officer Park mentioned, "Since the police have various departments, it's good that I can find the department that suits me." Officer Choi concluded, "There are definitely tough and hard times, but the reason the police must exist is clear. If we base the organization on a more flexible and efficient system, the police organization will become stronger."