Acting Commissioner of the Korean National Police Agency, Yoo Jae-sung, noted on the 18th that the Presidential Committee on Policy Planning recently requested the police to improve its system as a follow-up measure for the so-called "judicial reform," stating that there will be changes aimed at strengthening "democratic control."
During a regular press briefing that day, Acting Commissioner Yoo said, "We will gather public opinion to find the optimal solution for the actualization of the National Police Commission to enhance democratic control over the police and the promotion of local police systems to decentralize police authority."
On the 13th, the Presidential Committee on Policy Planning announced the "Five-Year National Management Plan," promoting the abolition of the prosecution office and the separation of indictment and investigation powers, and stated that it would enhance neutrality and democratic control over the police, which will also see a relative expansion of its authority, through measures like the "abolition of the police bureau, actualization of the National Police Commission, and gradual introduction of the local police system."
In response, Acting Commissioner Yoo remarked, "I am well aware of the high expectations regarding democratic control over the police and the neutrality and fairness of exercising police powers following the announcement of the judicial reform plan," adding, "I will keep in mind that the authority granted to the police is delegated by the sovereign people and will strive to ensure that this authority is exercised solely for the benefit of the public."
He continued, "I believe that police investigations are not a matter of authority but of responsibility and obligation, and we will create changes that the public can feel," emphasizing that, "To fulfill our responsibility to the public without any external interference or bias, we will enhance the responsibility and capacity of the police in conducting investigations." He also stated, "I understand there will be some adjustments and enhancements at the government level regarding the content announced by the Committee, and once confirmed, the police will quickly establish detailed plans to implement the national tasks."
Acting Commissioner Yoo also decided to establish a dedicated investigation team within the criminal investigation unit of the provincial police agencies to strengthen the capability for investigating industrial accidents. He mentioned, "We are currently discussing with relevant ministries regarding organizations and personnel," noting that there are already over 60 personnel assigned to investigate safety accidents, including industrial accidents, within the criminal investigation unit of the provincial police agencies.
He added, "In the future, we will increase the hiring of experienced personnel in the disaster safety accident field and enhance related training to ensure prompt and stringent investigations into industrial accidents," stating, "We will also activate exchanges between the police and the government in the area of significant industrial accidents being investigated by the Ministry of Employment and Labor and look for ways to strengthen collaboration."
Regarding the homemade firearm murder case that occurred in Songdo, Incheon, Acting Commissioner Yoo stated, "A task force (TF) headed by the Director of the Crime Prevention Response Bureau is being formed to comprehensively discuss the maintenance of manuals, strengthening necessary equipment, and enhancing response training." He explained the decision to conduct drug tests on police officers of the rank of superintendent and above, saying, "This is intended to ensure that the police, who protect the lives and safety of the public and handle drug investigations, can present themselves proudly to the citizens."