The "Police Reform Committee," to be established under the Prime Minister's Office to reform the police organization, is expected to launch between late this month and early next month.

A government official stated today (September 22), "We are preparing with the goal of launching the committee between late September and early October."

A structure is being pursued where the Prime Minister serves as the chairperson of the committee, with heads of relevant ministries and civilian experts participating as members.

It is also reported that a civilian co-chair system is being considered.

In particular, since the objective is to devise reform measures, the government views that the public would find it difficult to positively accept the outcome if discussions are centered solely on internal personnel; therefore, it plans to conduct discussions on reform plans centered around civilian members with expertise.

The government official explained, "We are currently at the stage of reviewing several individuals with expertise as external civilian members."

It is reported that the specific size of the committee has not yet been finalized.

Along with the committee, a Police Reform Task Force to be set up under the Prime Minister's Office will serve as its secretariat.

Civil servants from relevant ministries, centered around the Prime Minister's Office, are expected to participate.

Previously, amid escalating public criticism ahead of the abolition of the prosecution service following controversies such as the police's "falsified closure of missing persons cases," the government has been pushing ahead with plans to establish a reform body outside the police.

At today's Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Han stated, "Prosecutorial reform is in its final stages. Under the new system, the role and responsibility of the police are critically important," adding, "We will establish a Police Reform Committee and a task force under the Prime Minister's Office to build an accountable and fair public safety system."

(Photo: Yonhap News)