Police call for end to ‘protecting their own’... Dismissal to be principle for serious investigative misconduct

[Financial News] The police have moved to strengthen their audit and inspection functions, saying they will eliminate the so-called practice of ‘protecting their own’ and a culture of leniency within the organization. They also reaffirmed their policy of applying dismissal as the rule for serious investigative misconduct, including manipulating or concealing cases, accepting money, gifts or entertainment, and leaking investigative information.
The Korean National Police Agency said it held a workshop for audit and inspection chiefs from across the country at its headquarters in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, on the 7th.
A total of 73 people attended the workshop, including Acting Commissioner General Kim Jong-cheol, the agency’s human rights and audit officer, and public complaints, audit and human rights officers and audit and inspection team leaders from police agencies across the country. Another 267 public complaints, audit and human rights officers from police stations nationwide joined by video, bringing the total to 340.
The Korean National Police Agency said it organized the workshop to share the principle that major misconduct should be dealt with strictly, regardless of position or rank, amid continuing concerns about misconduct within the organization.
Acting Commissioner General Kim called for dismissal to be applied as the rule for serious investigative misconduct, including manipulating or concealing cases, accepting money, gifts or entertainment, and leaking investigative information. He also called for a strict response to misconduct that undermines trust in the police, including drunk driving and sexual misconduct.
He also stressed the principle that lawful law enforcement should be actively protected during audits and inspections, while those responsible for intentional or serious illegal acts should be held strictly accountable.
Acting Commissioner General Kim said, “The ultimate standard for audits and inspections should be the public’s expectations,” adding, “We will respond strictly to corruption and misconduct regardless of rank or position, and put an end to protecting our own and a culture of leniency.”
[email protected] Choi Seung-han Reporter