Police, first propose timing for expanding rotational personnel system... targeting the first half of next year

News1 [Financial News] The police aim to introduce the expanded rotational personnel system, which they are pursuing in the wake of the 'Jang Yoon-ki case,' in the first half of 2027. On the 23rd, the National Police Agency reported in private to Democratic Party lawmakers on the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee its plan to introduce the rotational personnel system in the first half of 2027 following discussions by the 'Investigation Reform Task Force (TF).
' This is the first time the police have specifically revealed the timing for the expansion of the rotational personnel system. The police also plan to secure the necessary budget to provide official housing and transportation subsidies to support police officers who will be assigned to work in different regions due to the rotational assignments.
This measure is intended to reduce the burden and resistance of field police officers caused by long-distance commuting and departure from their living areas. However, a variable cited is the fact that a massive budget would be required if the scope of support were expanded to include Senior Inspectors, the rank immediately below Superintendents and Senior Inspectors, where the rotational personnel system is already in effect.
According to the National Statistical Portal (KOSIS), as of last year, out of 144,547 active police officers, 29,616 were Senior Inspectors. 8 times the combined total of 3,562 Superintendents and 789 Senior Superintendents.
Along with this, the police are also pursuing a plan to transfer police officers disciplined for so-called "collusion corruption"—such as accepting bribes or entertainment related to their duties, engaging in improper solicitations, or leaking important investigation or enforcement information—to other city or provincial police agencies, and to permanently restrict their return to their original units. Previously, the National Police Agency announced that it would pursue an expansion of rotational personnel management as a reform measure to prevent the recurrence of similar cases, following the revelation of negligent investigation and evidence destruction during the initial stages of the "Jang Yoon-ki case.
" Currently, restrictions apply only to Senior Superintendents, prohibiting them from serving continuously at the same city or provincial police agency for more than three years, but the intention is to review a plan to expand this restriction. However, concerns are being raised within the police force that expanding rotational personnel management could undermine professional expertise and increase the burden of housing and childcare.
Criticism is also being raised that this is "bureaucratic administration" whose effectiveness has not been sufficiently verified, contrary to the original intent of the system's introduction to prevent internal corruption.
The National Police Workplace Council (NPCC), an alternative organization to the police union, is also opposing the expansion of the rotational work system, arguing that it could lead to economic burdens due to long-distance commuting and a decline in investigative expertise.
As internal backlash spread, the Personnel Division of the National Police Agency announced via its internal network on the 21st, "Claims that are recently spreading regarding rotation across all ranks, forced transfers between cities and provinces, and rotation of specific departments or positions are completely untrue," adding, "We plan to devise a reasonable plan that is acceptable to both the public and the members of the organization while maintaining the overall framework of the currently operating rotational personnel system.
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[email protected] Jang Yu-ha Reporter