Police Reform Task Force to Launch Soon... Acting Commissioner Stresses "Field-Centered Approach"

Acting Commissioner Begins Departmental Briefings from First Weekend

Emphasizes Training on Revised Investigation Procedures

Personnel System Improvements Also Under Review

The Acting Commissioner of the National Police Agency began receiving work reports starting from his first weekend in office, taking steps to prepare for the implementation of the new criminal justice system. The Police Reform Task Force, which resolved recent issues of inadequate investigations and misconduct, is set to be launched this week. He also instructed the review of personnel system improvements to retain outstanding investigative talent.

Kim Jongchul, the newly appointed acting Commissioner General of the National Police Agency, is speaking at the nationwide police leadership meeting held on the 3rd at the Eoulimmadang of the National Police Agency in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News.

The National Police Agency announced on the 6th that Acting Commissioner Kim Jongchul received briefings on the work of each bureau and division over the weekend, reviewing key issues. As a priority, the police agency plans to launch the Police Reform Task Force this week to fulfill its promise of fundamental police reform. This dedicated organization will be headed by a superintendent general.

After receiving a report on the progress regarding the follow-up measures to the amended Criminal Procedure Act, Acting Commissioner Kim stressed, "It is crucial that field officers clearly understand and implement the revised investigation procedures," instructing that thorough training be provided. He repeatedly highlighted the importance of field readiness for successful implementation of the changed criminal justice system, and ordered a review of the personnel system to ensure that skilled and dedicated personnel can continue to work in investigative departments.

He further pointed out that police activities should not be limited only to crackdowns and investigations, but must also be organically linked with prevention, victim protection, and post-incident support. He instructed that active discussions with relevant agencies take place to improve laws and systems, and to secure sufficient personnel and budget, ensuring that frontline officers can properly carry out these duties.

To the leadership at police headquarters, Acting Commissioner Kim said, "The change in the field is what will drive transformation within the police organization, and only then will the public be able to feel this change." He continued, "Continuously check and supplement whether there are any issues in the work systems or any gaps in command and supervision processes. Additionally, eliminate unnecessary tasks and stop demanding unreasonable performance results."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.