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As police investigative authority has expanded, demand for former police personnel has increased. However, within the police organization itself, concerns are growing over the outflow of experienced investigators. Some point out that the organization is failing to retain specialized personnel, as police officers with attorney qualifications increasingly consider moving to law firms or to the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency.

(Omitted)

Attorney Chon Hyeong Hwan, a former police officer, pointed out, “Even if certifications such as specialized investigator or responsible investigator are granted, they do not create any meaningful difference in promotion or salary.”

He added, “In the end, the structure is not one in which investigators are promoted simply because they are good at investigations.” He further noted, “There is a strong perception in the field that promotion to senior superintendent is influenced more by the internal personnel structure than by job performance.”

(Omitted)

Attorney Chon explained, “Investigators must organize vast amounts of materials submitted by complainants and suspects, and personally go out to find the necessary evidence.”

He continued, “The amount of work required to handle a single case is on a completely different level from that of an attorney taking on one case.” He added, “Since the salary remains the same whether one handles one case or two, fatigue in the field is considerable.”

(Rest omitted)

Source: Aju Business Daily, Reporter Won Eun-mi, “[Police Officers’ Value Rises in the Legal Market] ‘They Build Experience and Leave’… Organization Shaken by Outflow of Veteran Investigators,” May 25, 2026.
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