NCJ Number
72130
Date Published
1976
Length
217 pages
Annotation
The historical background, the present status, and the different ranking organizations of the Korean National Police system are discussed.
Abstract
The historical and political backgrounds of the Korean National Police system are reviewed including the first predecessor of the current police organization found in the Lee Dynasty in 1839. The study selected several Korean history books as sources. Seven stages of the development and formation of the Korean National Police system are identified: (1) Primitive stage, (2) Japanese rule stage, (3) United States military administration stage, (4) Korean government establishment stage, (5) Korean War stage, (6) postwar restoration and growth stage, and (7) continuing growth stage. Unlike the police systems in other advanced countries, the Korean National is viewed as facing the special challenge of maintaining the national security against the Communist threat. The first priority, therefore, among the police duties is the maintenance of national security through tactical police training for antiCommunists. The police system has 12 functional divisions, 4 levels of different police organizations ranging from the National Police Headquarters to the police substation or police detachment, and 10 police ranks. In addition, the system has a maritime unit, a combat unit, and an aircraft unit. For the purpose of confrontation with the Communists, the police system has an intelligence organization function which includes cooperation with the Central Intelligence Agency and other military agencies. The Korean police system is also seen as showing some degree of priority for State interests over individual interests and freedom. Photographs and the Korean Criminal Code are appended, and 22 references are provided.