Complaints have persisted within the police force regarding the inadequate conditions faced by officers who were deployed in large numbers for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit held in Gyeongju. These officers reportedly did not receive proper accommodations or meals during their deployment.
The National Police Workplace Council, also known as the Police Workplace Council, announced on the 11th that it would organize a photo exhibition titled “Photo Exhibition on the APEC Event That Turned Police into Homeless People.” The event will take place in front of the Korean National Police Agency, located in Seodaemun District, Seoul.
The photographs, released the day before, depict the harsh living conditions endured by police officers at the APEC summit, which concluded on the 1st. One of the most striking images shows a police officer in uniform using a cardboard box as a makeshift blanket to catch a brief nap in a waiting area.
Other photos reveal groups of officers sleeping in front of a movie theater’s large screen or lying down on hallway floors with only a single blanket. Some officers, who were not even given blankets, reportedly gathered boxes from waste pickers. Additionally, testimonies surfaced about officers staying in old motels or mountain lodges.
Further accounts emerged on the anonymous workplace bulletin board called “Blind.” One officer described the conditions in a motel bathroom, stating, “The bathroom had no door and was made of transparent glass. I couldn’t show it to my roommate. Even a prison cell would have partitions.”
Another officer shared that they had to purchase meals with their own money because they were not provided with boxed lunches. Others mentioned eating “cold rice” in freezing weather.
Following the photo exhibition in front of the Korean National Police Agency on the 11th, the Police Workplace Council plans to hold additional exhibitions in front of the National Assembly on the 12th and 14th.
The Police Workplace Council stated, “We will publicize the poor environment and welfare conditions of police officers mobilized for the globally prepared one-year event organized by the Korean National Police Agency, Gyeongbuk Provincial Police Agency, and the APEC planning team.” They have demanded a full investigation through a job audit of police command, an apology, and measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Key Issues Raised
- Inadequate Living Conditions:Officers were reported to have slept in areas without proper bedding, sometimes using cardboard boxes as blankets.
- Lack of Basic Amenities:Some officers were forced to use motels with unsafe or unsanitary facilities, including bathrooms without doors.
- Financial Burden on Officers:Many officers had to buy their own meals due to the absence of proper food provisions.
- Public Awareness Campaign:The photo exhibition aims to draw attention to the challenges faced by police personnel during high-profile events.
Ongoing Actions
- The Police Workplace Council has scheduled additional exhibitions to continue raising awareness about the issues.
- The council is calling for a thorough investigation into the management of police deployments during the APEC summit.
- There are demands for accountability, including an apology from the relevant authorities and the implementation of long-term solutions to prevent such situations in the future.
Impact and Reactions
- The exposure of these conditions has sparked public debate about the treatment of law enforcement personnel during major national events.
- The testimonies and photographs have highlighted the need for better support systems for officers working under challenging circumstances.
- The incident has also prompted discussions about the responsibilities of organizing agencies in ensuring the well-being of deployed personnel.
As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on addressing the concerns raised by the police force and ensuring that future events are managed with greater care and consideration for the welfare of those involved.