Police corruption cases rise sharply in 2009: data

By Jung Ji-yon
SEOUL, Feb. 17 (Yonhap) -- The number of police officers disciplined for
receiving bribes rose sharply in 2009 from the year earlier, police data showed
Wednesday.
The bribery cases uncovered in police in-house investigations totaled 159, up
from 52 in 2008, according to National Police Agency data provided by Rep. Kim
Tae-won of the ruling Grand National Party.
Bribe-taking represented 15.4 percent of the total 1,027 cases of police
corruption, also up from 8 percent in 2008 when a total of 649 cases of
irregularities were uncovered, the data showed.
The total amount of bribes involved also rose to 569 million won ($498,275) in
2009 from about 430 million won (US$376,462) in 2008, according to the data.
Critics say the rise in police corruption show that police failed to effectively
implement an anti-corruption system, though National Police Agency chief Kang
Hee-rak repeatedly underscored the stamping out of corruption and the
establishment of internal discipline since his inauguration in March.
"People cannot trust police if they are dishonest and full of faults. I wish all
14,000 of us would dedicate ourselves to our responsibility, bearing in mind that
only righteousness and honesty will be the foundation for strong police force,"
Kang had said in his inauguration speech.
Police claimed that the rise in the number corruption cases uncovered is because
police carried out a stronger crackdown on such cases.
Rep. Kim said a stronger crackdown could have been be a factor, but stressed that
police should make greater anti-corruption efforts.
"There would not have been any corruption cases uncovered if there had been no
corruption," Kim said. "Police should work harder to root out corruption and
regain honor."
jiyonj@yna.co.kr
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