[MZ Police Officer] "Rewarded by Easing Traffic Jams"… The 'Road Coordinator' Managing Intersection Signals

Traffic Facility Operations Unit: Overseeing Intersection Signals Across Seoul
After Two Years in the Mobile Unit...
Now Four Months as a Traffic Police Officer
Responding to Complaints Is the Most Challenging...
Aiming to Build Expertise in Traffic Management
"Interested in Criminal Investigation Work Too...
Aspiring to Be a Warmhearted Police Officer"

Editor's NoteThe era has arrived in which Generation Z and new employees in their 20s and 30s shape the future of organizational culture. The police force is no exception. The police are comprised of various departments, including criminal investigation, intelligence, security, traffic, administration, public relations, audit, and women and youth. The work environment varies by regional headquarters, police stations, mobile units, and precincts, and the roles differ greatly depending on the area. Here, we introduce each department through the eyes of the youngest police officers, sharing their vivid stories about work and life as they see it.

"A difference of just a few seconds in signal timing can change the flow of thousands or even tens of thousands of vehicles in a single day."

On August 12, Officer Oh Daegyu (30) of the Traffic Management Division Facility Operations Unit at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency was closely monitoring the flow of vehicles at the Airport Telephone Office intersection in Gangseo-gu from his office. The monitor displayed, in real time, the queues of vehicles in each direction and the signal cycles. Officer Oh meticulously recorded the length of vehicle queues, pedestrian signal wait times, and the number of vehicles passing through during specific time periods, never taking his eyes off the screen.

While simulating proposed changes, Officer Oh submitted his recommendations for the optimal signal system to related agencies such as the Korea Road Traffic Authority. He stated, "A single improvement in signal timing can make a significant difference in the convenience and safety of many citizens," adding, "We carefully review traffic volume, pedestrian flow, and changes in the surrounding road environment to create the best possible system."

Police Officer Oh Daegyu of the Traffic Management Division Facility Operations Unit at Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency is inspecting the Seoul Traffic Signal System on the 12th at Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jinhyung

Traffic Facility Operations Unit: Responsible for Seoul's Intersection Signals

The Traffic Facility Operations Unit is the department that manages the operation of signal systems at over 5,000 intersections in Seoul and decides on the installation of traffic safety facilities. They act as 'coordinators on the road,' ensuring both smooth vehicle flow and pedestrian safety.

Officer Oh is responsible for about 1,600 intersections in the southwestern and northwestern areas of Seoul, adjusting signals at 60 to 70 locations each month. When changes in traffic volume occur due to new apartment construction or large-scale roadworks, he visits the site, analyzes the situation, and readjusts signal timings. He explained, "Dozens of construction and development projects take place each month, constantly changing traffic flows, so I go onsite to check and adjust the signals myself each time."

He also reviews suggestions for signal improvements submitted by citizens through platforms such as the National Petition Portal. Last year, there were 727 complaints related to traffic signals. Officer Oh said, "We monitor various traffic environment changes, such as vehicle congestion or short pedestrian crossing times, and work to improve them," adding, "I feel a sense of accomplishment when there is a clear difference before and after the improvements, or when citizens express their gratitude."

After 2 Years in the Mobile Unit... 4 Months as a Traffic Police Officer

Officer Oh was assigned to the Traffic Facility Operations Unit this past April. At first, he felt overwhelmed by the administrative work. However, as he gained advice from senior officers and accumulated experience, his confidence grew. He shared, "Working in the mobile unit meant irregular hours and being heavily affected by the weather, but traffic work allows for more structured planning within set hours," adding, "On the other hand, analyzing traffic volume, coordinating with agencies, and responding to public complaints present a different set of challenges compared to the mobile unit."

One of the most rewarding moments in his four months as a traffic police officer was resolving severe vehicle congestion at an intersection in Yeongdeungpo-gu. The intersection, where major roads like Kyunghui-ro and Singil-ro cross, was always congested, and the situation worsened with overlapping railway construction. Officer Oh simultaneously monitored the situation and improved facilities, adjusting the signal system. As a result, vehicle queues shortened and traffic flow improved. He emphasized, "When I compared the data before and after the changes, the improvement was clear," adding, "It was a moment when I could create a change that citizens could truly feel."

Police Officer Oh Daegyu of the Traffic Management Division, Facilities Operations Section, Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, is being interviewed on the 12th at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jinhyung

Responding to Complaints Is the Hardest... Aiming to Build Expertise

Of course, responding to complaints remains difficult. For example, if the vehicle signal time is increased at an intersection, pedestrians complain that the crossing time is too short. If the pedestrian time is extended, drivers protest that vehicles wait too long. While it is impossible to satisfy everyone, his job is to find a balance between the two. To do so, he often visits the site again to re-check traffic and pedestrian flows.

For now, his goal is to build expertise in the traffic field to create better signal systems. Recently, he even obtained a drone license to improve congestion monitoring methods. Previously, he would observe from high ground or analyze footage from installed traffic CCTVs to assess conditions before and after signal changes. Officer Oh said, "I earned a drone license to get a broader and more accurate view of the field," adding, "I expect that using drones for future monitoring will allow me to grasp vehicle and pedestrian flows at a glance, increasing the precision of signal adjustments."

Police Officer Oh Daegyu of the Traffic Management Division, Life Safety and Traffic Department, Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, poses after explaining the Seoul traffic signal system at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 12th. Photo by Kang Jinhyung

"Interested in Criminal Investigation Work Too... I Want to Be a Warmhearted Police Officer"

To manage work stress and maintain his physical fitness, he runs regularly after work. The time spent running at the end of the day helps him clear his mind and prepare for the next day. Officer Oh said, "Running refreshes my mind and relieves the tension built up from dealing with complaints," adding, "Physical fitness is fundamental for a police officer."

He also expressed his ambition to someday take on criminal investigation work. Officer Oh said, "I haven't been in my current department long, so there is still much I want to learn and experience," but added, "I am also very interested in investigative work. I definitely want to experience directly confronting crime and protecting citizens as a detective."

Finally, he said he hopes to become a warmhearted police officer. Officer Oh stated, "I always approach my work with the sense of responsibility that a single traffic signal or a crosswalk installation can be directly linked to someone's life," adding, "My goal is to create a road environment where citizens can feel safe and at ease."