[MZ Police Officer] "Police Are Born at the Scene"... Intern Becomes the Youngest at the Police Substation

Everyone Has a First Time
Becoming a True Police Officer in the Field
Going on Duty Every Day with Pride in Helping Citizens

At around 8 p.m. on the 20th, in the food alley of Daemyeong Market, Geumcheon-gu, Seoul, intoxicated individuals with flushed faces began to wander the streets one by one. Police Officer Lee Da-young (29) of the Geumcheon Police Substation held a notebook in one hand and looked around the alley. In this area, where bars and restaurants are concentrated and incidents such as disputes among intoxicated people are frequent, Officer Lee recorded the surrounding situation in her notebook in preparation for any unforeseen events.

Officer Lee was assigned to the Geumcheon Police Substation as a field trainee in January. Police officer candidates undergo about six months of training at the Central Police Academy and then approximately two months of field training. After graduating from the police academy, they are officially assigned as police officers. Officer Lee said, "It is the process of applying what I learned at the academy in the field. After completing the training, I will return to the police academy to graduate and then officially start my duties at the place where I trained."

Police Officer Lee Da-young (right) of Geumcheon Police Substation is patrolling the local downtown area with mentor seniors. Photo by Jo Yong-jun

Everyone Has a First Time

The difficulties she felt when she first entered as a trainee after completing police academy training are still vivid. Although she received various training at the police academy, including physical training, arrest techniques, and shooting, once she arrived at the field, managing the scene and handling complaints felt overwhelming. Officer Lee said, "The first place I was dispatched to in January was a domestic violence scene, and because it was my first time, I was so nervous that I froze. Since then, I have been trying to reduce mistakes by writing down how senior officers manage the scene and what questions they ask victims and perpetrators in my notebook every day."

The most memorable lesson from the notebook, which contains advice from seniors and methods for handling cases, was decisiveness. Officer Lee said, "When I first dealt with complainants, I thought I had to be kind, so I showed a smiling face to everyone. While it is good to be kind to citizens, I learned from my seniors that one must be firm when dealing with lawbreakers, and I try to practice this."

As she continued to reflect on her shortcomings, she gradually became accustomed to dealing with complainants. Officer Lee said, "The most important thing for complainants is empathy. At first, many people were angry when I responded to complaints, but by listening carefully and empathizing with their stories, many issues were resolved." She added, "When the complainant's anger subsides, I explain which parts I can help with and which parts are difficult to assist with. From then on, they understand the situation well."

Police Officer Lee Da-young (center) of Geumcheon Police Substation is receiving explanations while patrolling the busy district with mentor seniors. Photo by Jo Yong-jun

Becoming a True Police Officer in the Field

Through such empathy, she once safely escorted an intoxicated person who had fallen asleep on the street back home. In February, a report was received about a woman in her 40s who had fallen asleep intoxicated on the street. Three officers, including Officer Lee, were dispatched. The police tried to wake the woman and asked where her home was, but she was aggressive and confrontational. Officer Lee said, "After calming her down and listening to her, she suddenly tried to hug me. At that moment, I was able to learn her home address and safely escort her home."

Officer Lee’s ability to listen well to citizens’ stories is thanks to her diverse part-time job experiences. Before becoming a police officer, she worked various part-time jobs at cafes, cosmetics stores, water parks, and more. She said, "My experience dealing with many people has helped in police work. Being kind to citizens and empathizing with their voices is because of my past experience serving many people."

This experience also shone in her investigative skills. Having worked mostly in service jobs, Officer Lee developed a keen ability to observe and remember facial features, which recently helped her catch a convenience store thief. While reviewing CCTV footage, she recognized the thief as a repeat offender who had previously been summarily judged for similar crimes. Officer Lee said, "During the investigation, I thought, 'I feel like I’ve seen this person somewhere before,' and reported it to my seniors, which led to identifying and arresting the suspect."

Police Officer Lee Da-young of Geumcheon Police Station is being interviewed by Asia Economy in the office. Photo by Jo Yong-jun

Going on Duty Every Day with Pride in Helping Citizens

It is natural that she sometimes feels physically exhausted shortly after starting her career as a police officer. Officers assigned to police substations work more than 12 hours a day. Day shift officers at Geumcheon Police Substation work from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and night shift officers start at 7 p.m. and finish at 7:30 a.m. the next day. Officer Lee said, "I am still adjusting, so when I get home, I mostly just sleep. Because of that, I tend to replenish my energy rather than meet friends even on my days off."

Nevertheless, the pride in being able to help citizens is the driving force that keeps her going. Recently, she escorted a dementia patient who had lost her way back home. The elderly woman was sitting on a bench near Geumcheon-gu Office Station and could not remember her home. Officer Lee obtained the contact information of the guardian. She said, "The guardian thanked me, and I felt proud as a police officer. It also boosted my self-esteem, feeling that I am somewhat helpful to society."

Police Officer Lee Da-young (right) of Geumcheon Police Substation is checking patrol information while looking at the local map with her mentor senior officer. Photo by Jo Yong-jun

Officer Lee, who once thought police cars were vaguely cool when she was young, is now gaining experience in the field. Although she still receives scolding from seniors as she is learning the job, she feels a sense of accomplishment every time she sees herself grow. She said, "I was originally quiet and reserved, but through police work, I have developed a proactive attitude in everything. Every time I help citizens with this proactive attitude, I only want to become a better police officer."

Officer Lee will return to the police academy on the 7th of next month and graduate on the 10th. Afterward, she will officially begin her career as a police officer at the Geumcheon Police Substation. The field experience gained through training is shaping her into a true police officer.