National Police Agency issues 'special alert' to all staff over misconduct, bans all gatherings

South Korea's National Police Agency has declared a 10-day 'special alert' across all police stations nationwide, aiming to curb misconduct and reinforce public trust. The directive, which began Monday and runs until next month, mandates strict adherence to public service ethics.

This unprecedented alert comes in response to a series of disciplinary breaches by police officers. A particularly egregious incident involved Jeju police officers falsely closing a missing person report, sparking public outrage and prompting swift action from the national agency. The alert emphasizes preventing similar violations.

Under the special alert, all police departments are required to hold daily meetings led by station chiefs to discuss misconduct prevention. Officers will receive daily text messages and mandatory daily training sessions focused on ethical conduct. The agency has also scheduled a nationwide emergency communication drill and will intensify internal audits.

Furthermore, the alert explicitly prohibits all social gatherings for police personnel during the 10-day period. Any planned events are to be postponed or canceled unless absolutely unavoidable. This stringent measure reflects the agency's determination to address the recent spate of misconduct and restore confidence in the police force.