Korean Police Research Articles

Answering the challenges: the surge of political violence in North Korea and militarisation of North Korean police force in the first half of 1946

Answering the challenges: the surge of political violence in North Korea and militarisation of North Korean police force in the first half of 1946

The effect of servant leadership on organizational citizenship behavior in the South Korean Police: the mediating roles of psychological empowerment and organizational commitment

PurposeThis study explored the relationship between servant leadership (SL) and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) from the perspective of South Korean Police officers. We also investigated the mediating roles of psychological empowerment (PE) and organizational commitment (OC).Design/methodology/approachIn this study, the authors analyzed 439 survey responses from South Korean Police officers. The mediation model was tested using structural equation modeling.FindingsThe results showed that SL had a significantly positive influence on OCB among South Korean Police. Moreover, PE and OC partially mediated the relationship between SL and OCB. Officers who perceive their leader as a servant leader are more likely to have a positive perception of OCB. These findings show that PE is a more efficient mediator than OC.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the generalization of knowledge by empirically testing the relationship between SL and OCB in the South Korean Police. The results show that SL theory can be applied to the Korean Police. By capturing the specific characteristics of the Korean Police, such as the powerful effect of PE, this study supports leadership contingency theory.

Analysis of AI Ethics Awareness by Gender, Age, Education Level, and Workplace : Focusing on Korean Police Officers

Analysis of AI Ethics Awareness by Gender, Age, Education Level, and Workplace : Focusing on Korean Police Officers

Analysis of Differences in Health Care Awareness According to Working Period of Public Officials: Focusing on Korean Police Officers

Analysis of Differences in Health Care Awareness According to Working Period of Public Officials: Focusing on Korean Police Officers

Unmet medical needs and influencing factors among Korean police officers: a cross-sectional survey

ObjectivesSouth Korea grapples with a disproportionately high incidence of unmet medical needs, a concern that is particularly acute among police officers, who are exposed to significant occupational risks. Given the...

Factors and age-related drivers that influence self-rated bad health in police officers: A cross-sectional study

ObjectiveAlthough some previous studies have investigated health in police officers, investigations of related factors have been limited to work-related associations or those affecting certain police officers. To address this gap, this study investigated relationships between sociodemographic factors, work-related factors, health behaviors, health conditions, and self-rated bad health (SRBH) in Korean police officers. MethodsIn 2021, we conducted a cross-sectional survey in cooperation with the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA). The respondents were 6,591 police officers aged 21–60 years, all of whom agreed to complete the survey online using the police agency’s intranet. After collecting data, we conducted a multiple logistic regression analysis to examine factors that were associated with SRBH, with calculations for adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). The study model included a range of individual socioeconomic characteristics, work-related variables, health behaviors, and health conditions. ResultsAlthough the associated factors varied according to age group, several factors generally related to SRBH, including the lack of exercise, stress, having one or more chronic diseases, and work-related pain. By contrast, neither sex nor sleep duration were associated with SRBH of respondents. Monthly night work, smoking, and alcohol consumption were only associated with SRBH of certain age groups. ConclusionsSeveral variables clearly related to SRBH of police officers. In this context, health-related associations, especially stress and chronic diseases, tended to differ according to age, including those that should be considered to improve health. These findings have important implications for relevant healthcare programs and interventions.

한국 경찰학의 학문적 정체성 검토 및 학문체계 정립을 위한 발전방향 탐색

한국 경찰학의 학문적 정체성 검토 및 학문체계 정립을 위한 발전방향 탐색

The effect of organizational justice on police officers’ perception of procedural justice in the South Korea: the mediating roles of perceived discretion and responsiveness

PurposeRecently, the interest of scholars studying procedural justice in policing has shifted from the relationship between procedural justice and citizen compliance to trust in police officers’ perceptions of who exercises it. This study explores the relationship between organizational justice and the perception of procedural justice from the perspective of police officers. Furthermore, it investigates the mediating roles of discretion and responsiveness.Design/methodology/approachUsing 441 survey responses from South Korean police officers, a mediation model is outlined and tested using structural equation modeling (SEM). The results showed that police officers’ perceptions of organizational justice had indirect effects on the perceived importance of procedural justice. Moreover, discretion and responsiveness mediate the relationship between organizational justice and perceived procedural justice.FindingsOfficers who perceive police fairness are more likely to have a positive perception of procedural justice toward citizens when they have a higher level of discretion and responsiveness. However, police officers’ perceptions of organizational justice are not directly linked to their perceptions of procedural justice.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the generalization of knowledge by empirically testing Van Craen’s theoretical model of the Korean police. It also expands the existing theoretical model by investigating the influence of overall organizational justice and its possible mediators on procedural justice.

Does citizen opinion matter? An analysis of police officers’ support for democratic policing in South Korea

PurposeThis study examined the effects of organizational justice and citizen respect to support for democratic policing through self-legitimacy among South Korean police officers.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used survey data from 467 South Korean police officers in 2022. Structural equation model analysis was used to examine relationships between each variable.FindingsThis study found a positive relationship between organizational justice and self-assessed legitimacy. Also, citizen respect had a positive relationship with both police officers' self-assessed legitimacy and audience legitimacy. Self-assessed legitimacy had a significant effect on support for democratic policing, while perceived-audience legitimacy did not have a significant effect on support for democratic policing.Originality/valueThe current study provides evidence that self-legitimacy affects supporting democratic policing in a non-Western democracy. Additionally, to the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to examine the role of police self-legitimacy as a link between organizational justice and citizen respect and the intended behaviors of police officers toward citizens.

Exploring the quantity and type of evidence collected during criminal investigations in South Korea

This article explores the patterns of 11 types of criminal evidence collected by a detective team in real-life 172 volume crime cases that occurred in South Korea. Electronic and paper case files were analyzed to examine the patterns of how much and which type of evidence was collected per case. The results show that, in general, the team collected almost four pieces of evidence per case, and notably, testimonial evidence (e.g., statements) was collected more often than physical evidence (e.g., video recordings, DNA, and fingerprints). Among the physical evidence types, video recording was the most available; victim statement was the most available of testimonial evidence types. Another finding was that more evidence was collected before than after interrogation. Overall, this study provides empirical insights into the current landscape of evidence collection practices in South Korean police investigations, with implications for both law enforcement procedures and academic research on criminal justice systems.

Do cultural values influence how we perceive the police? Examining the cultural impact of Confucian values on the perception of police legitimacy

PurposeThis study aimed to expand the normative model of police legitimacy literature by assessing the impact of cultural values and their role as a driver of the perception of legitimacy. Specifically, the current study assessed cultural values like Confucianism and their impact on the perception of police legitimacy.Design/methodology/approachThe current study used convenience sampling of South Korean university students from all seven metropolises. A perception survey regarding their perception of the legitimacy of Korean police was asked via a six-point scale. For statistical analysis, structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to assess the hypotheses.FindingsThe authors' results indicate that Confucian values like social hierarchy and social harmony impacted various stages of police legitimacy. In particular, Confucian values significantly impacted procedural justice, the obligation to obey and cooperation. However, it failed to predict legitimacy in any capacity.Originality/valueFirst, by assessing Confucian values and their impact on police legitimacy, the current study aimed to expand the police legitimacy literature. Second, police legitimacy research in non-Western settings is still lacking and has not reached a consensus regarding the primary driver of legitimacy. Furthermore, South Korea in particular is still at an infant stage regarding police legitimacy research. The current study aimed to add to the literature by examining police legitimacy in the Korean context.

Hotspots-based patrol route optimization algorithm for smart policing

Smart policing based on the analysis of big data ensures the development and sustainability of police policy. However, it is difficult to find instances in which the results of data analysis have been applied to actual policy in the field of crime prevention. The South Korean police force recognizes the need for smart policing and is engaged in various research and field support activities. Some examples that are especially relevant for crime investigation include analyzing the connections between cases and predicting the location of the next crime in a series of crimes and the location of suspects. However, it is difficult to find examples of police policy that use big data. Therefore, this study aims to suggest a model that uses big data to respond to emergency calls efficiently. First, we extract hotspots that are predicted to be locations of criminal activity based on an analysis of the association between community environment data and crime data. Second, we create a route having the shortest travel time to the crime location by developing a route optimization algorithm. Lastly, we assess the performance of the patrol routes in reflecting real-time traffic information. If the data application model suggested in this study could be adjusted and applied to the current police patrol system, the model could be used by each police department effectively.

'Korean Police' Selection Without Gender Distinction: A Review of the Physical Fitness Test: Focusing on the United States, France, and Japan

Purpose: The purpose of eliminating gender segregation in physical fitness testing for police recruitment can be understood as twofold. In the case of a gender-neutral selection process, a police organization can eliminate gender segregation in the selection process, including the physical fitness test, in order to pro-vide an equal opportunity for all applicants. The idea is to ensure that both men and women can take the test under the same conditions and that the best candidates are selected for police positions based on their abilities and skills. Gender-neutral job requirements. As with any industry, police work can be physi-cally demanding. As such, it may include a gender-neutral physical fitness test to verify the ability to per-form the duties of a police officer regardless of gender. This approach focuses on the abilities and skills required to do the job, and emphasizes a fair selection process that does not discriminate based on gender.
 Method: In order to study the physical fitness test for police recruitment without distinguishing between men and women, the following research methods were utilized. The current police physical fitness test con-sists of five events. The physical abilities of quickness, cardiopulmonary endurance, muscular endurance, and strength are measured through the physical fitness test, but the physical fitness test items related to the ability to respond quickly and accurately to constantly changing exercise tasks(coordination) are not included. Therefore, in order to meet various motor functions, it is necessary to refer to the Job Standards Test(JST) of the NYPD in the United States, which is composed of sports closely related to the job of a police officer, the physical fitness test of the MET Police in the United Kingdom, which is an event-type measure-ment method, and the Èpreuve d'exercices physiques of the French National Police. The Japanese National Police has a separate physical fitness test for new constables and a separate physical fitness test for police officers. In addition, there have been many legal cases in the West, such as the United States, regarding the advantages and disadvantages of the male and female fitness tests. This is especially true in the United Kingdom and the United States. Therefore, we conducted a comparative analysis to scientifically and ra-tionally improve the physical fitness test standards that disadvantage female applicants.
 Results: The results of a gender-neutral physical fitness test for “Korean police” recruitment can be un-derstood as follows. First, a unisex physical fitness test ensures that all applicants have an equal oppor-tunity to participate. It evaluates the abilities and skills required to perform police work regardless of gen-der, and provides a fair opportunity for all applicants without discrimination. Second, as an assessment of ability and vision, physical fitness tests help to assess the physical abilities and skills required to perform police work. These tests measure a candidate's physical strength, stamina, and power to help identify the right person for the job. Third, by enhancing diversity, gender-neutral physical fitness tests contribute to greater diversity and inclusion. Police organizations can recruit people from different backgrounds and genders to reflect more diverse perspectives and experiences. Fourth, it emphasizes fairness. A unisex phys-ical fitness test eliminates gender-based discrimination and focuses on applicants' skills and competencies. This ensures that all applicants are selected based on their abilities and helps prevent unfair treatment based on gender. These findings suggest that gender-neutral physical fitness tests for police recruitment contribute to fair and reliable talent selection and help strengthen the diversity and performance of police organizations.
 Conclusion: A gender-neutral fitness test for “Korean police” recruitment is an important approach to emphasize fairnes

Subgroups of depressive symptoms in Korean police officers: A latent class analysis

The prevalence of depressive symptoms is common among police officers; however, studies that identify the patterns of depressive symptoms in police officers and occupational characteristics related to the specific subgroups of depressive symptoms are scarce. A total of 493 police officers in South Korea participated in this descriptive cross-sectional study between October and December 2019. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Latent class analysis was used to identify the subgroups of depressive symptoms. To identify the characteristics and predictors of the subgroup, χ2 tests, analysis of variance, and multinomial logistic regression analysis were performed. Four latent classes of depressive symptoms were identified: “at-risk” (10.8%), “anhedonic” (21.5%), “somatic” (17.2%), and “minimal” (50.5%). Compared to the minimal group, drinking behaviors were higher in the at-risk group (odds ratio [OR] = 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.03, 1.11]), and working hours were greater in the somatic group (OR = 1.01, 95% CI [1.00, 1.02]). Additionally, sleep quality (OR = 1.35, 95% CI [0.82, 2.22]) and fatigue (OR = 1.02, 95% CI [1.00, 1.04]) were found to be related in the anhedonic group. This study identified the heterogeneity of depressive symptoms among police officers. It is necessary to accurately identify the factors associated with the depression subgroups of police officers to develop support strategies and prevent an increase in their depression severity. The association between risk factors such as working hours and drinking behaviors might inform strategies to reduce depression in police offers.

경찰활동에서의 성별통합

In this study, previous studies related to gender integration were reviewd and the actual situation was analyzed through a survey of police officers(N=473) working in Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk-Do. The results are as follows. First, Korean police officers most preferred female police officers performing the same tasks as male police officers except for high-risk tasks(Modified role, M=3.61). The preference for performing the same task regardless of risk(Integrated role, M=3.34) was higher than average(M=3.00), but the consent to performing specialized tasks, such as female offeders or children/juvenile work,(Traditional role, M=2.63) level was low. Second, the background variables and working environment variables of police officers had a certain influence on the attitude toward gender integration. The recently appointed police officers(20s and 30s, less than 10 years of service experience et al.) showed a different attitude from the other police officers, such as preferring a Unified role the most. Third, gender integration is affected by various factors, and self-efficacy has a positive effct on the Unified role attitude and a negative effect on the Traditional role attitude. Fourth, the preference for the Unified role of police officers had a significant positive effect on their job satisfaction. Based on these analysis results, the task of the Korean police for gender integration and the direction of follow-up research were examined.

The analysis of excessive disciplinary action and the effect of disciplinary rationalization policy: an empirical analysis of the results of disciplinary appeals reviews for police officers

ABSTRACT In this paper, we conduct an empirical analysis to examine whether police officers are disciplined more severely than other government officers. We used data on disciplinary actions in cases of bribery, which had been extracted from the casebook on disciplinary appeals reviews (2004–2018) published by the Appeals Commission of the Republic of Korea. The results of the ordinal logistic regression for the entire period (2004–2018) show that disciplinary actions imposed by the police agency were more severe than other government agencies. However, in a period-separated analysis of police disciplinary rationalisation policies in 2011, the differences in the level of disciplinary actions between the police and other agencies were only significant in the former period (2004–2011). The difference was not significant in the latter (2012–2018). This implies that the police agency imposed more severe disciplinary actions than other government agencies in the past. However, the latter period analysis implies that the disciplinary tendency of the police changed due to the effectiveness of the disciplinary rationalisation policy of the South Korean police agency.

Validation of the Short Version of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale in Korean Police Officers

This methodological study verified the validity and reliability of the Conor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), which is used worldwide, for police officers. Data were collected from November 2021 to February 2022 through the Google survey platform from police officers who agreed to follow-up surveys online after participating in the job training course at the Police Human Resources Development Institute. After randomly assigning the collected data to two groups, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA, CFA, respectively) were conducted using SPSS Statistics 25.0 and AMOS 25.0 programs. EFA revealed two factors of “hardiness against adversity” and “acceptance of adversity and a supportive relationship”. In addition, the two-factor and 12-item structures derived through CFA were appropriate, ensuring the validity and reliability of internal consistency. This study confirmed that the CD-RISC is a valid instrument for measuring the resilience of police officers. The short version of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale will help measure the effectiveness of mental health promotion intervention.

Factors influencing post-traumatic stress disorder among police officers in South Korea.

This study aims to identify critical incident trauma (CIT), social support, resilience, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Korean police officers and to determine factors related to PTSD to obtain basic data for developing a PTSD intervention. A mixed-methods approach was adopted by administering structured questionnaires to Korean police officers and conducting semi-structured interviews with seven Korean police stakeholders. The structured questionnaires elicited information on CIT, social support, resilience, and PTSD. Data from 189 participants were analyzed using independent t-tests, Pearson's correlation coefficients, and multiple linear regression analysis. The interview data, which elicited information on difficulties and coping strategies after CIT, police organizational culture, current status of counseling programs, and suggestions for PTSD interventions, were analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis. Factors that are significantly related to PTSD (28.7% of variance) are very healthy subjective health status (B = -0.44, p = 0.013), CIT (B = 0.18, p ≤ 0.001), social support (B = -0.38, p ≤ 0.001), and resilience (B = -0.18, p = 0.044). The stakeholders revealed the following PTSD-related factors: the difficulties and limitations of overcoming traumatic experiences, coping strategies, police counseling program status, and opinions on PTSD-related programs. Perceived health status, CIT, social support, and resilience had a strong relationship with PTSD. Therefore, the success of PTSD interventions for Korean police officers should be considered.

윤창호법의 음주운전 억제효과*

This study is on the deterrence effects of two Yoon-Changho laws on drunken driving, which was acted after Yoon-Changho’s death by a drunken driver and strengthened punishment on drunken driving. Using the Korean police statistics about the number of death by traffic accidents, this study focuses on the changes of the number of death by traffic accidents between pre-act and post-act period. The results of analysis on this data show that the number of death by traffic accidents is significantly decreased 52% in First Yoon-Changho law and 61% in Second Yoon-Changho law, compared to control group (same period, 1 years ago), between pre-3 month and post-3 month. But, between pre-6 month and post-6 month, the number of death by traffic accidents is not decreased to a significant level, compared to control group in both laws. This result shows that two laws, that increased severity and certainty of punishment on drunken driving, have only a short-term effect, such as results of many existing researches.

Factors affecting post-traumatic growth in South Korean police officers by age group

Introduction: Police officers are exposed to a variety of traumatic events, which can be physical or psychological. This study aimed to identify factors that influence Post-traumatic growth (PTG) in South Korean police officers, according to age group. Methods: Raw data were collected from September 26 to October 9, 2017, for 269 police officers who are employed at 10 police offices in Seoul. PTG was affected significantly by age, marital status, monthly income, and police rank in pain perception and social support variables among general characteristics. Results: Factors that affected PTG in the ‘20~29’ age group were resilience and pain perception, but in the ‘30~39’ age group, only Pain perception was significant, and in the ‘over 50’ age group, social support and pain perception were significant. Conclusions: The development of mental health programs for police should consider the age group of the patients. Mental health care should also be continuous.