Police job rotation system faces internal backlash and political pressure

South Korea's police force is caught in a difficult position over its push to expand a mandatory job rotation system, designed to prevent corruption and improve organizational reform. Internal opposition is strong, yet the ruling party is pressing for the system to be applied to lower-ranking officers, creating a dilemma for police leadership. Adding to the complexity, securing the necessary budget for the program's implementation is far from guaranteed.

The National Police Agency reported to the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee that it would present a strengthened rotation system plan by the first half of next year. Currently, senior superintendents rotate positions annually, superintendents approximately every two years, and superintendents first class every five years within their respective provinces. The agency proposed extending this rotation to include superintendents first class and implementing stricter transfer rules for officers disciplined for corruption, preventing their return to their original posts.

However, the Democratic Party has criticized the proposal as lacking sufficient reformist zeal, arguing that extending the system only to superintendents first class is insufficient to eradicate collusion. Some lawmakers reportedly advocated for including sergeants, who are directly involved in investigations, in the rotation system. This push has intensified dissatisfaction among frontline officers, who already face significant challenges with the current system. Concerns are mounting that extending the rotation to sergeants would trigger widespread organizational backlash.

One superintendent expressed frustration, stating that housing and transportation issues are not minor matters that can be dismissed with vague promises of support. "The leadership seems to be looking outward for approval while offering no clear reassurances to the organization's members, which is frustrating," the officer said. Another officer from a local precinct voiced concerns about morale, suggesting that officers need to feel a sense of attachment to their organization to provide better service. "When officers' own welfare is not being addressed, they won't have the capacity to consider the welfare of others," the officer added.

The National Police Workplace Council has announced plans for protests and even a "head-shaving" demonstration against the expanded rotation system. The council is also considering legal challenges, questioning the legality of forcibly transferring officers to different provinces when recruitment and promotions are typically handled at the provincial level. Furthermore, the financial implications are substantial. With approximately 30,000 superintendents first class, a large-scale rotation could necessitate significant financial investment. Providing monthly housing or travel allowances could cost hundreds of billions of won annually, a figure that would increase further if official residences were provided. The police plan to continue discussions within a reform task force, which will include a majority of external members.