■ Meaning of Remarks at ‘Police Day Ceremony’
Expansion of Local Police – Separation of Investigation and Prosecution
Emphasis on Police Responsibility & Support for Prosecutorial Reform
“With the Determination That There is No Overreaction to Safety”
Mention of ‘Martial Law’… Emphasis on Ensuring Neutrality, On the 21st, President Lee Jae-myung, on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Police Day, urged that “the police must genuinely respond to the question, ‘Does an increase in police authority genuinely improve the lives of our citizens?’” This is interpreted as an effort to empower the police in line with prosecutorial reform, including the complete separation of investigation and prosecution. There are also calls to maintain the prosecutor’s supplementary investigative authority to prevent the expansion of police power amid controversies like the arrest of former Broadcasting Communications Commission Chairperson Lee Jin-sook.
The president stated at the Police Day ceremony held at the National Police Agency in Seoul’s Seodaemun District, “The only basis for the public authority entrusted to the police is the trust of our citizens,” adding that “to truly transform into a police force beloved and trusted by the public, constant innovation and change are necessary.” He urged that “in the face of significant changes such as the gradual expansion of the local police system and the separation of investigation and prosecution, the public is scrutinizing us closely.” He called for continuously raising the responsibility, fairness, professionalism, and promptness of investigations to establish an investigation system that people can trust.
President Lee’s direct emphasis on the police’s responsibility amidst enhanced authority is seen as support for prosecutorial reform. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety is advancing the prosecutorial reform process, including the launch of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency Task Force, following amendments to the Government Organization Act. The act, which passed the National Assembly’s plenary session on the 26th of last month, includes abolishing the Prosecutor’s Office and establishing a new investigation and prosecution system with the introduction of the Serious Crime Investigation Agency under the Ministry of Interior and Safety and the Public Prosecution Agency under the Ministry of Justice.
Additionally, President Lee emphasized the importance of ‘democratic policing’ by mentioning the December 3 martial law incident. He remarked, “Even on the night of the internal war on December 3, albeit a minority, some police leadership sided with the supreme power and participated in a loyal coup.” He reiterated that “the people’s sovereignty government will wash away that history of disgrace and ensure that our police fully take their place as democratic protectors of the constitution and the public by securing police neutrality and strengthening democratic control.”
Meanwhile, regarding public safety, President Lee stated, “In the task of protecting the lives and safety of citizens, I urge you to proceed with the determination that there is no such thing as ‘overreaction.’” He emphasized that “a thorough response is needed across the entire distribution process from supply to administration to prevent drugs from infiltrating the lives of our citizens,” and highlighted the need for a more active and preemptive response to prevent tragedies such as delays in response leading to the loss of valuable lives in cases of dating violence or stalking crimes.