Ulsan Office of Education Strengthens Protection for Staff Handling Unusual Civil Complaints

Internal Implementation Plan Established
Recommended Time Limits Set for Calls and Meetings
Calls or Meetings to End if Abusive Language is Used

The Ulsan Metropolitan Office of Education (Superintendent Cheon Changsu) has established recommended time limits for phone calls and in-person meetings to protect staff handling unusual civil complaints, and has made it possible to end calls or meetings if a complainant uses abusive language.

The Ulsan Metropolitan Office of Education has prepared and distributed to all its institutions an internal implementation plan titled "Measures to Strengthen the Response to Unusual Civil Complaints and Enhance Protection for Staff Handling Complaints," which includes these provisions.

"Unusual civil complaints" refer to complaints that involve illegal acts such as verbal abuse or assault, acts that interfere with official duties, or complaints that are repeatedly raised without legitimate reason.

Key measures include setting the recommended duration for phone calls at within 20 minutes and for in-person meetings at within 40 minutes. If a complainant uses abusive language, the call or meeting can be terminated.

Additionally, the office has enabled the recording of all phone conversations with complainants. If illegal acts such as verbal abuse or assault occur, measures such as removal from the premises or temporary entry restrictions can be implemented.

Since 2023, the Ulsan Metropolitan Office of Education has operated a dedicated department for handling unusual civil complaints and an emergency response team to prepare for such incidents. Twice a year, it conducts simulation drills to strengthen on-site response capabilities.

Protective measures for staff who have been affected by such complaints are also being pursued. The office provides psychological counseling through the Psychological Counseling Center at the Ulsan Parent Support Center or through specialized agencies, supports treatment costs, and offers legal counseling to help with emotional recovery and morale boosting.

Superintendent Cheon Changsu stated, "It is just as important to create a work environment where staff handling complaints can feel secure as it is to protect the rights and interests of complainants," adding, "The Ulsan Metropolitan Office of Education will take the lead in fostering a proper culture of mutual respect in civil complaint handling."