Strict law leaves Korean police helpless against violence

In some parts of the world, police are often criticized for excessive force. Here, it is the opposite: they are blamed frequently for their reluctance to use force.

On May 1, seven people in Gwangju assaulted a man, 31, for taking a taxi they had hailed first. They repeatedly punched him — and even poked one of his eyes with a stick. He eventually lost sight in the eye.

Video footage of armed police helplessly watching the assault on the street sparked massive public outrage. Many wondered why they did not use their guns or batons.

Korean law allows police to use weapons to protect citizens and themselves. But in practice, police rarely take advantage of the law, even when threats are imminent.

“Many police officers have faced lawsuits as a result of using weapons,” HMP Law lawyer Eom Yoon-ryung told The Korea Times. “Although it is rare that police end up being convicted for using weapons, some lose money after a civil suit or face disciplinary measures.”

Under the law, police are allowed to use weapons when a suspect who has committed a serious crime resists or tries to flee, or when a suspect with a deadly weapon refuses to surrender after being warned three times.

“But to stay out of legal trouble and complications, many police do not use their weapons even when they need to,” said Kwak Dae-kyung, a professor of police administration at Dongguk University.

Because of this police weak spot, some criminals are not afraid of police officers. When the attackers in Gwangju faced police officers, they did not step back — instead, they pushed the officers away and continued to assault the victim until he escaped into a police car.

Some believe the law should change to give the police more power to carry out their duties.

“I think their judgment should be more respected by the law,” Kwak said.

Last week, a young police officer urged Cheong Wa Dae and the National Assembly to revise the law to give police more protection.

“Over the past three years, I have been assaulted more than 20 times for no reason,” he posted on the presidential office petition website. “I was slapped, punched in the face and spat at ... I’m not an exceptional case. Many police officers deal with such problems every day. But we hold still. We need your help.”

The officer called on lawmakers to revise the law so criminals who target police officers would face heavy penalties. He also asked for financial support for police who face lawsuits. The petition has garnered more than 43,000 signatures.