Police Uniform Overhaul Sparks Debate... "Focus on Enhanced Functionality"

Complaints Erupt Over Design and Color
Field Officers' Feedback to Be Reflected

As the police commemorate their 80th anniversary, they are conducting a uniform improvement project, but internal reactions to the prototypes are divided.

According to a summary of Asia Economy's coverage on the 25th, the National Police Agency is collecting feedback from field officers on the prototypes by touring all 18 metropolitan and provincial police agencies nationwide until August 5. The agency plans to unveil the new uniform on Police Day, which falls on October 21. The National Police Agency intends to maintain the current teal color for the new uniforms while enhancing functionality and convenience for field operations.

However, dissatisfaction with the prototype designs has emerged within the police. A sergeant from the mobile unit stated, "We conducted a survey on uniform colors from the 7th to the 21st of this month, but starting the review sessions from the 24th makes it seem like the survey was just a formality. With only about three months left until the public unveiling, I wonder what the point is of collecting opinions now." On police community forums, negative reactions have been posted along with photos and design images of the prototypes, such as, "If you're going to design it like this, at least hold an internal contest or a public competition," and "Just bring back the design that won first place in the vote ten years ago."

The National Police Agency originally stated that the main reason for improving the uniforms was not the color, but to enhance field functionality and convenience. They also explained that since last year, they have surveyed 10,000 members of the public about uniform colors, and the overwhelming majority preferred teal. In a separate survey of 3,000 to 4,000 internal staff, black and teal were chosen at nearly the same rate. A police official said, "These prototypes represent one of several concepts proposed by designers from various perspectives," and added, "As we tour the provincial agencies, field officers will be able to select the final concept."