Acting Police Commissioner General Yoo Jae-sung has reiterated his commitment to reform as controversy continues to swirl over allegations of botched investigations and collusion surrounding the so-called Jang Yoon-gi case.

During a regular press briefing today (July 20), Acting Commissioner General Yoo stated, "Taking this incident as a turning point, the police will do our utmost to reform our overall investigative processes with a mindset of cutting to the bone, so that we may restore public trust."

Regarding the backlash against the police reform plan announced last week and calls for the resignation of police leadership, he said, "I am not clinging to my position and will faithfully carry out the duties entrusted to me."

As part of the follow-up measures for the Jang Yoon-gi case, the police announced that they would launch an investigative reform task force (TF) this month and would proceed with a rotational personnel system—which has faced strong internal opposition—only after gathering feedback from the field.

The TF will consist of approximately 7 to 10 members, with more than half being external experts, to discuss personnel systems aimed at eradicating collusion and improving procedures for handling cases involving socially vulnerable individuals.

An internal anti-corruption investigation unit, which will operate directly under the National Office of Investigation chief, plans to investigate serious job-related crimes committed by police agency officials regardless of their rank.

Regarding the establishment of a "Police Investigation Human Rights and Inspection Body" under the National Police Commission, which would involve the deployment of about 100 civilian investigators, Yoo stated, "This is a matter that requires an amendment to the Police Act. As a relevant amendment has already been proposed in the National Assembly, the police will actively voice our opinions during the discussion process."

Addressing concerns from some quarters about the effectiveness of such a body, he said, "Making the National Police Commission more substantial is a key policy task of the current administration. I believe that for an inspection body to function effectively, it must be designed to allow for recommendations on personnel actions or disciplinary measures to the Commissioner General based on the results of its investigations."

He emphasized that the police would sufficiently collect feedback from the field regarding the expansion of the rotational personnel system.

Acting Commissioner General Yoo noted, "As this is a matter that causes significant burden on the front lines, support measures for rotational assignments must also be prepared. We will first implement measures that can be carried out quickly and discuss the details within the investigative reform TF."

He added, "Superintendent-level officers are currently subject to nationwide rotational assignments, and some Senior Superintendents are also rotated, but it could be problematic to apply rotation to all ranks. If we implement a rotational system, various support measures will be necessary."

Currently, official residences are provided for officers at the rank of Superintendent and above when they are assigned to rotational duties.

Expanding the system to other ranks would require consideration of equity, and such a move is expected to incur significant budget costs.

Regarding internal organizational backlash, he stated, "Various contents are spreading, mainly on social media, but since nothing has been decided yet, there are also contents that differ from the facts," adding that he would prepare reasonable measures that resonate with internal members while restoring public trust.

On the inspection of Inspector Jang, the father of Jang Yoon-gi, in relation to the case, Acting Commissioner General Yoo said, "Typically, we can only produce final inspection results once the investigation results are out."

He added that the inspection results would be handled with reference to the final investigation results of the special investigation team.

Regarding the possibility of an additional protest visit by the People Power Party to the National Police Agency, he said, "We have previously held a private meeting with Democratic Party lawmakers, and our stance is to hold meetings with the People Power Party in a balanced manner. We will discuss building access in accordance with security regulations."

On July 10, People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk and others attempted to meet with Acting Commissioner General Yoo to question him about allegations related to the Jang Yoon-gi case, but the meeting did not take place due to differences in positions regarding media coverage.

(Photo: Yonhap News)