Acting National Police Agency Commissioner Yoo Jae-sung pledged sweeping police reforms Monday amid growing public controversy. He spoke during a press briefing addressing allegations of collusion in the Jang Yoon-gi case. Consequently, these police reforms aim to restore public trust following a botched murder investigation.
Indeed, Yoo vowed that officers would treat this case as an urgent opportunity for change. The controversy stems from Jang’s arrest for allegedly killing a teenage girl in Gwangju. Investigators reportedly leaked case details to Jang’s father, who serves as a police officer. Furthermore, officials failed to secure key evidence during the initial investigation process entirely.
Despite mounting calls for senior officials to resign, Yoo insisted he would remain committed. He stated he would faithfully carry out his duties without clinging to his position. Meanwhile, the proposed police reforms include launching an investigative task force by month’s end. This task force will include seven to ten members, with outside experts forming the majority.
Additionally, the panel will examine personnel changes preventing improper ties between officers and communities. It will also address handling procedures for cases involving socially vulnerable individuals specifically. Furthermore, an internal affairs unit under the National Office of Investigation will soon begin operations. This unit will investigate serious duty-related crimes committed by officers regardless of rank.
The reform package also proposes a new oversight body under the Korean National Police Commission. This body would include roughly 100 civilian investigators examining human rights violations and misconduct. However, establishing it requires amending the Police Act, which lawmakers are now reviewing. Yoo emphasized that effective oversight must lead directly to disciplinary or personnel action recommendations.
Regarding rotation policy expansion, Yoo said officials would first gather input from rank-and-file officers. Since expanding rotations could burden field officers, support measures must accompany any policy changes. Going forward, these police reforms will likely shape public confidence in law enforcement significantly.
