Police officers are found to be increasingly reluctant to use firearms despite recent high-profile stabbing incidents due to fears of legal consequences, according to a report released by a ruling party lawmaker Friday.
The Korean National Police Agency is working to equip every officer with a firearm, yet the actual use of these weapons remains lower than expected due to concerns about legal consequences. Data indicates a notable disparity between the intent to use force when justified and the actual frequency of firearm deployment.
According to a recent report obtained by Rep. Kim Jong-yang of the People Power Party, Korean police engaged in live firearm use only six times in the first half of this year. This includes one instance in February and five in April. Additionally, there were just five warning shots fired.
The number of actual firearm use remains low, typically around 10 instances annually.
For comparison, in 2022, firearms were used five 스포츠 times in the first half and eight times in the second half, while in 2023, there were two instances in the first half and seven in the second half.
In contrast, less-lethal tools such as stun guns are used more frequently. In the first half of this year alone, stun guns were operated 208 times.
The police have been actively promoting a “one officer, one firearm” policy, aiming to distribute 28,826 pistols. However, as of late last year, there were 21,768 .38-caliber pistols in use, indicating that the goal of fully equipping officers has not been met.
Despite these efforts, there are ongoing concerns about the legal and administrative implications of officers using firearms. Officers are apprehensive about potential legal repercussions and the scrutiny associated with firearm use. The Act on the Performance of Duties by Police Officers was amended in 2022 to reduce criminal liability for officers in emergency situations, provided there is no intentional or gross negligence. However, the psychological and administrative burdens associated with firearm use remain significant.