Kim Joungcheol, New Gyeongnam Police Chief: "Let Us Remain Faithful to Basics and Principles, and Enhance Our Expertise"

"Let us remain faithful to the basics and principles, enhance our expertise, and become a reliable and confident Gyeongnam police force for the residents."

Kim Joungho, the 39th Commissioner of the Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency, made this statement at his inauguration ceremony on September 29.

Commissioner Kim said, "I believe what the residents truly desire is prompt and fair work processing based on fundamentals and principles," and added, "Let us become a proud and admirable Gyeongnam police force by strictly adhering to the basics and principles, keeping what must be kept, and doing what needs to be done properly and on time."

Kim Jongcheol, the 39th Commissioner of the Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency, is saluting the national flag at the inauguration ceremony. Provided by Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency

He continued, "Only when we ourselves become professional police officers can we stand confidently before the residents, and the benefits will be returned entirely to them."

He emphasized, "If we study and internalize materials for each duty, manuals, the latest precedents, and legal information, and become public safety experts who can clearly explain the reasons for law enforcement and gain public understanding, the expectations and trust of the residents will grow even higher."

He also said, "Please join in fostering an organizational culture where we put the residents before ourselves and our team, and make small concessions and show consideration for one another."

"We must be able to think and empathize from the citizens' perspective, with an attitude of putting ourselves in their shoes," he said. "Let us prioritize tangible public safety by carefully examining the needs and demands of the residents before implementing any public safety policies."

He further stated, "Judgments about safety should be made from the citizens' perspective, not the police's, and we must never forget that the strength of the police depends entirely on the trust and support of the residents. Always remember that the police are the citizens, and the citizens are the police. I hope you will become warm and reliable neighbors to the residents."

Commissioner Kim said, "I hope the Gyeongnam police will be resolute against crime, warm to the residents, and supportive to colleagues."

He added, "I will take the initiative and do my best to support all of you so that you can work with conviction. I will not hesitate to praise, encourage, and reward the heroes on the front lines. When there is merit, I will give you the credit, and when there is fault, I will reflect on myself first."

He also promised, "Just as public officials must work hard for the comfort of the people, the leadership must worry and strive even more for the comfort of the field. I will not introduce new public safety policies that lack efficacy or set goals disconnected from the realities of the field."

He went on to say, "I will listen to the voices from the field and work together to find ways to reduce burdens and provide support."

Commissioner Kim said, "I am confident that if we pool our experience and wisdom and give our utmost dedication, we can maintain a state of public safety where residents can live with peace of mind."

Commissioner Kim, who is from Hamyang in Gyeongnam, was appointed as a police executive candidate in the 45th class in 1997.

Since then, he has served as Chief of Seocho Police Station at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, Director of the Autonomous Police Department at the Busan Metropolitan Police Agency, at the Presidential Office National Situation Room, Director of Public Safety at the Daegu Metropolitan Police Agency, Director of Public Safety at the Daejeon Metropolitan Police Agency, Director of Life Safety and Traffic at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, Director of Public Safety at the Chungnam Provincial Police Agency, and Director of Life Safety at the Gangwon Provincial Police Agency.

Former Commissioner Kim Seonghee was promoted to Senior Superintendent General and has assumed the position of Acting President of the Korean National Police University.