New SMPA Chief Park Jeongbo: "I Hope the Police Will Become an Organization Proudly Loved by Citizens"

Park Jeongbo (57), the new Chief of the SMPA, began his two-year term with his inauguration ceremony at the SMPA headquarters in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 29th. In his first remarks, he stressed the importance of a 'proud Seoul police force loved by citizens' and pledged to continue citizen-centered policing.
At the ceremony, Chief Park stated, "If we empathize with citizens and demonstrate competence by finding answers in the field, and devote ourselves even to the smallest matters, the Seoul police can be reborn." He added, "Let us firmly secure the safety of our citizens and create a safer Seoul together, as a proud police force loved by the people."
Chief Park said he would begin his tenure by reflecting on the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics. He emphasized, "The Law Enforcement Code of Ethics clearly states that the reason for the police’s existence is to protect the rights of the people and maintain social order so that all citizens can enjoy a peaceful and happy life." He added, "Based on these principles, I will reflect on the past of the Seoul police and set a course for its future."
He also stated that he would focus on promoting empathetic policing and strengthening field capabilities to ensure the police become an organization loved by citizens. Regarding crimes that threaten daily life, such as relationship-based offenses and voice phishing, he stressed, "Citizens expect the police to respond thoroughly and without gaps to protect them." He further explained, "Empathetic policing means reading and understanding the hearts of citizens first and viewing problems from their perspective."
He also highlighted the importance of field-oriented policing. "Citizens’ complaints about disorder, signs of social conflict, and factors threatening safety all emerge in the field," he noted. "Only when the 'desks' and 'field' of the SMPA, police stations, precincts, and substations respect and harmonize with each other can we become a strong and capable police force."
Chief Park urged internal members to devote themselves even to minor tasks, while also promising to enhance the reward system. He said, "We will grant sufficient discretion and authority to the field so that officers can work with conviction, adequately reward proactive administration, and be lenient regarding incidents that occur in the process."
Born in Jindo, Jeonnam, Chief Park began his police career as part of the 42nd class of police executive candidates. He is recognized as a leading investigator, having served in key investigative departments, including as Chief of the Seoul Yangcheon Police Station, Head of Investigation at the Gwangju Metropolitan Police Agency and Gangwon Provincial Police Agency, Deputy Chief of Investigation at the SMPA, Chief of the Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency, and Director of the Police Human Resources Development Institute. The position of SMPA Chief, along with Deputy Commissioner General of the National Police Agency, is considered a key post and a strong stepping stone to becoming the next Commissioner General.
Previously, after Bong Sik Kim was dismissed from the SMPA Chief post during the December 12–3 martial law incident, Park Hyun-soo (54) served as Acting Chief for about nine months from last February. With Park Jeongbo’s promotion from Director of the Police Human Resources Development Institute to SMPA Chief, Park Hyun-soo was appointed as the new Director of the Police Human Resources Development Institute.
jyseo@fnnews.com Seo Ji-yoon Reporter