South Korea to Reinstate Conscripted Police System Amid Crime Surge
South Korea announced on Wednesday its plans to reintroduce the recently abolished conscripted police system in order to strengthen the state’s crime prevention capabilities. This decision comes in light of a recent surge in crimes targeting random individuals. To address this issue, the government aims to add up to 8,000 conscripted police officers within the next nine months.
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo stated that the reinstatement of the conscripted police system is crucial for enhancing the police’s capability to prevent crimes. The government’s objective is to ensure the safety and protection of ordinary citizens from senseless acts of crime.
The conscripted police system, which was phased out in 2023, involved draftees serving as an alternative to regular compulsory military service. It was initially abolished due to the shrinking population and shortage of military-aged men. However, the current surge in crime has prompted the government to reconsider its decision.
Under the preliminary plan proposed by President Yoon Suk Yeol’s administration, the national police will conscript over 3,500 auxiliary conscripted police officers for emergency deployment and over 4,000 conscripted police officers for patrolling in vulnerable areas. This plan aims to prioritize neighborhood policing over other tasks such as investigations, traffic control, and cybercrime deterrence.
As part of the reorganization of the police force, the government plans to increase the number of closed-circuit cameras and emergency bells in crime-prone areas. This will enhance surveillance and contribute to the prevention and rapid response to criminal activities.
Currently, South Korea’s national police force has approximately 140,000 officers nationwide. However, less than 30,000 of them are available for street patrolling and other public safety roles like crowd control. This insufficient number of officers highlights the need for the reintroduction of conscripted police officers to fill the gaps in law enforcement.
The decision to reinstate the conscripted police system has drawn mixed reactions from the public. Supporters argue that it will boost crime prevention efforts and improve public safety, while critics express concern over the potential impact on individual rights and the historical association between conscripted police officers and authoritarian rule.
Overall, the reintroduction of conscripted police officers in South Korea aims to address the recent surge in crime and enhance the country’s crime prevention capabilities. With the additional manpower and a focus on neighborhood policing, the government seeks to ensure the safety and security of its citizens.
