[MZ Police Officer] The Infinite Challenge of ‘Sinbalman’ from Korea National University of Arts… A Day in the Life of the Youngest Member of the Police Equipment Division

Police Officer Hwang Ah-yeon Dreaming of Improving Patrol Station Work and Duplication
Focusing on 'Jehwa' to Enhance Police Equipment Quality

Editor's NoteGeneration Z is coming. It is an era where newcomers 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 metropolitan police agencies, police stations, riot police units, and local police substations, 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.

"Becoming a police officer gave me a reason to help others... That charm made me quit acting, which I had done for 10 years."

Hwang Ah-yeon, a police officer in the Equipment Division of the National Police Agency, is being interviewed by Asia Economy at the National Police Agency office in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jo Yong-jun

At the Seoul Seodaemun-gu Police Agency building, we met Hwang Ah-yeon, a 4th-year rookie police officer (27) in the Equipment Operations Division of the Future Security Policy Bureau. When asked why she became a police officer, she answered this way. Officer Hwang, a graduate of Korea National University of Arts (Korea National University of Arts), chose the path of a police officer she dreamed of as a child, rather than continuing her 10-year career in acting. The reason was that being a police officer is a profession where one can help others without expecting anything in return.

Officer Hwang said, "There were many times I wanted to help someone but lacked the courage. After becoming a police officer, I was really glad to have the reason to help others and to be allowed to do so." She smiled and added, "Recently, I helped someone carrying a heavy load, and seeing myself step forward without hesitation made me feel a sense of personal change and fulfillment."

Officer Hwang joined the police in April 2021. After working at a police substation in Songpa-gu, Seoul, she directly applied to the Equipment Division at the Police Agency and has been managing equipment needed by field officers for two years. She explained, "When working at the substation, I often heard complaints about police uniforms, so I thought, why not try to improve it myself? Since I understand the difficulties in the field, I am trying to find ways to positively develop it."

A hardworking self-proclaimed 'Shoe Man' everyone avoids, dedicated to the feet of field police officers

The Equipment Operations Division, where Officer Hwang works, purchases and distributes over 140 items essential to police officers, from uniforms and footwear to safety-related items such as fire evacuation masks and night vision goggles. Officer Hwang is responsible for about 25 types of items, including footwear, belts, and safety helmets.

Among these, the shoes Officer Hwang manages are prepared in 16 different types to suit the characteristics of the field, but demands and complaints never cease, making it the most focused area. Due to the nature of the job, officers visit and run through numerous sites, so there is practically no 'comfort' that satisfies everyone. Knowing the importance of these shoes, Officer Hwang works closely with manufacturers and studies the production process herself to improve them. She is so dedicated to footwear that she is known within the police organization as the self-proclaimed and acknowledged ‘Shoe Man.’

Officer Hwang said, "Due to structural characteristics, the company responsible for shoes changes every year depending on the procurement method, and since shoe lasts and human feet are all different, complaints seem to arise every time." She added, "To ensure improvements that can be felt most by those running the most in the field, I have visited factories multiple times, communicated with them, and studied related matters." She continued, "There are so many things to pay attention to in footwear that, as far as I know, no one has been in charge for two consecutive years, but I have set a new record. I plan to be in charge again next year, so I want to work even harder and hope to receive praise and expectations."

Thanks to her relentless efforts, recently, posts saying "The shoes are comfortable and good" have appeared on the police internal online bulletin board. Officer Hwang smiled and said, "I can't hide my pride when positive feedback comes in."

Hwang Ah-yeon, a police officer in the Equipment Division of the National Police Agency, is inspecting clothing and other equipment at the National Police Agency in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jo Yong-jun

Various achievements this year after intense research and reflection

On the 6th floor corridor of the Police Agency, police uniforms from 33 countries including the United States, France, and Italy are lined up. Officer Hwang personally procured all of these for the ‘police uniform’ that will be replaced next year in celebration of the 80th anniversary of the police establishment. Based on insights gained from comparing and analyzing each one, she is preparing to enhance quality while contemplating the identity of the police.

Officer Hwang said, "Although the materials differ slightly between indoor and outdoor uniforms, the clothes are largely similar, so discomfort inevitably arises in the field. Especially in summer, we have to wear clothes made of the same material as in winter, which is very hot. Going forward, we expect to prepare for heat over a longer period, so we plan to improve accordingly."

Based on this, the Equipment Operations Division newly developed 'heatwave duty uniforms' last summer. The pilot operation received positive responses from field officers, such as "Finally, it has been improved." Officer Hwang emphasized, "We focus not only on introducing items but also on reflecting the actual needs and opinions of field officers."

One of the important achievements of the Equipment Operations Division this year is the 'Honor Box' system, which provides necessary items free of charge to officers whose equipment or uniforms are damaged during duty. Officer Hwang explained, "It was introduced in February, and so far, there have been over 400 support cases. Beyond simple item support, it conveys gratitude and compensation for the sacrifices of officers, making its meaning profound."

Thus, the Equipment Operations Division manages various items needed by officers in the field and strives to improve the efficiency of the police organization. Officer Hwang said, "The equipment used by police officers is not just a tool but an essential element that protects life and safety. We continuously improve to provide better quality and reliable equipment."

Warm-hearted and responsible police officer making the most of her specialty

Officer Hwang defined the role of the police as "listening and watching carefully." She said, "Maintaining order is necessary to protect citizens, but because there is a negative perception that police are just blocking things, they inevitably get criticized. Nevertheless, since the police stand closest to the citizens, if you just look around a little, you can see things, and I think we must listen and watch carefully."

Hwang Ah-yeon, a police officer in the Equipment Division of the National Police Agency, is being interviewed by Asia Economy at the National Police Agency office in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jo Yong-jun

Her experience majoring in acting during university is also useful in police work. Officer Hwang said, "Through acting, I learned how to deeply observe and understand people's behavior and psychology. This experience greatly helps in communication with complainants and collaboration with team members." Known as a 'smart cookie' within the Police Agency for her communication skills, Officer Hwang has also hosted various events.

Officer Hwang's goal is to continue working so that field officers can work in better environments with pride and responsibility, and so that the public can have greater trust.

She recalled, "When dispatched late at night or early morning, I meet police officers, firefighters, and doctors at the scene. Outside is night, but for us, it's practically daytime. After finishing my probationary period, I realized that those who work for someone's life actually sacrifice their own lives more." Yet she added, "Still, the fact that I can be closest to the citizens makes this job continuously attractive, and I have the desire to experience more diverse fields in the future," showing her determination.