Chapter I General Provisions
Article 1
This Act is enacted pursuant to Article 32 of the Civil Service Employment Act and Article 3 of the Police Act.
Article 2
Police personnel management shall be governed by this Act. If the matters are not specifically provided in this Act, other laws shall apply.
Article 3
Police personnel herein refer to the officers appointed and ranked in accordance with this Act to carry out police assignments.
Article 4
The ranks and positions of police personnel are separate. Police personnel’s ranks are ensured while positions can be transferred. Police personnel cannot not be stripped of their ranks and positions unless otherwise permitted by the law.
Article 5
Ranks for the police are classified into selected rank, recommended rank and delegated rank. Selected rank is divided into the special, first, second, third, and fourth class, among which the special class is the highest. Both recommended rank and delegated rank are divided into the first, second, third and fourth class, among which the first class is the highest.
Article 6
Prior to appointment, prospective officers shall be vetted about their personal integrity, loyalty, behavior, and physical and mental health by the organizations or schools they are going to serve. If necessary, a request for assistance in the vetting from relevant authorities may be filed.
The regulations governing whom and what should be vetted and how the vetting should be conducted shall be formulated by the Ministry of the Interior.
Prior to appointment, attention shall be paid to a prospective officer’s intelligence, fitness, knowledge, experience and leadership competence, and their capabilities to adapt to local environments, languages, customs, habits and ambience shall also be taken into account.
Article 7
Newly appointed police officers shall swear an oath as follows: ”I swear solemnly that I will well and truly abide by national laws and dedicate myself to serving our country; perform the duties and exercise the power by the law. I will serve the people to my best of knowledge and skill in a humble and peaceful manner. Should I break my oath, I shall be liable to the most severe punishment. This is my solemn oath.”
Article 8
Titles of police personnel shall be named in accordance with the Organization Acts of police authorities at all levels.
Article 9
Police personnel shall be managed by the Ministry of the Interior or by the municipal governments.