President Lee Jae-myung said, "As our criminal justice system, maintained for over 70 years, has undergone a complete overhaul, the police's authority has become weightier than ever, and you must bear in mind that your responsibility has grown accordingly," adding, "You must take a sober look at what has been lacking and boldly pursue reforms to correct wrong practices and systems."

Attending the 81st Police Day ceremony on this day, President Lee noted, "I am well aware of the hard work of those who faithfully carried out their duties," but warned, "Nevertheless, you must be vigilant against the reality that misconduct by a small minority and inadequate responses can undermine the trust and reputation of the entire organization."

In particular, he emphasized, "You must take seriously the reality that trust in the police has been shaken and public anxiety heightened by recent relationship-based crimes and unmotivated crimes targeting unspecified individuals," adding, "Public trust cannot be restored with words alone. You must make painstaking efforts so that the public can genuinely feel the change."

He also directly laid out specific directions for reform.

President Lee called for institutional checks, saying, "I urge you to establish democratic control and accountability commensurate with your expanded investigative authority. While blocking undue outside interference, the process and outcome of investigations must be strictly scrutinized. Please strengthen the substantive role of the National Police Commission and establish mechanisms to independently examine police investigations."

He continued, "The protection of crime victims must be firmly established as a key principle of police investigations, ensuring that the voices of the vulnerable—such as women, people with disabilities, and children who are susceptible to crime—are not marginalized," and called on the police to "fulfill promises made to the public, including establishing a subcommittee for the socially vulnerable within the Police Investigation Deliberation Committee."

Furthermore, he stressed, "You must cooperate closely with relevant agencies, including the Public Prosecution Office and the Major Crimes Investigation Agency, to take thorough measures so that no void or harm to the public arises from the absence of supplementary investigative authority."

President Lee said, "Wrong practices and systems must also be boldly corrected. When mistakes come to light, they should be admitted honestly and rectified," adding, "When you do not avoid or turn away from public criticism, but promptly address shortcomings and fix them, trust in the police will grow even firmer."

He also made proposals regarding on-site investigative response.

President Lee said, "Please focus on safeguarding the peaceful daily lives of the people. In dealing with relationship-based crimes like stalking or indiscriminate crimes against the general public, there must be a fundamental shift from post-incident response to proactive prevention."

He also remarked, "In missing persons cases, do not miss the golden time, and at disaster scenes, respond swiftly through close cooperation with relevant agencies," noting that "attentiveness in catching even the smallest signs and staying one step ahead in response can prevent greater harm."

In addition, President Lee said, "The police must take the lead in correcting foul play and privilege and in building a fair society. Having power must not allow one to evade the law, nor should being weak subject anyone to unfair treatment," adding, "Respond resolutely to crimes that deprive people of their property and legitimate opportunities, and remain unshaken by external pressure or conflicting interests."

He further instructed, "Crimes that erode community trust—such as jeonse (rental housing) fraud, investment fraud, and fraudulent receipt of state subsidies—must be rigorously investigated," stating, "The principle that all citizens are equal before the law must be proved not through words, but through fair law enforcement. Firmly establish the principle that crime does not pay, and recover illicit profits to the end."

In addition, President Lee asked the police to focus on expanding investigative capabilities using advanced technologies, such as establishing an "AI-based next-generation 112 emergency dispatch system."

Words of encouragement for the police were also delivered.

President Lee said, "I express my gratitude to the police officers who have worked tirelessly day and night for the safe daily lives of our people, and to their families who share the weight of that dedication," promising, "We will never forget the noble sacrifice of the fallen and line-of-duty police officers who gave their lives to protect the safety of the public."

He concluded, "Using today as an opportunity, I urge you to renew your resolve and be reborn as the police of the people. Please do your utmost to become democratic police officers who protect the public as citizens in uniform," pledging, "The government will also actively support you so that the dedication of our police officers can shine even brighter."

(Photo: Yonhap News)