A Comparative Study on Maritime Management Status in the Pre and Post-Launch of KOREA Coast Guard(KCG) in the Wake of Breakup of KOREA National Maritime POLICE Agency

Abstract

This study was intended to examine the results achieved by the Korea Coast Guard(KCG) which took over functions of the Korea National Maritime Police Agency about 1 and a half years ago. Particularly, the study intended to analyze the status of management before and after government reshuffle based on statistical data in connection with maritime crime among various fields and to present related implications. By analyzing the status of maritime crime management, the study figured out maritime crime management status perceived by competent organizations regarding the status of occurrence as suggested by statistical data and then included the processed status to combine both statuses for explanation based on maritime crime management status. As the results of analysis suggest, adverse effects were found to arise from maritime crime management capability which is directly linked to public safety, security, and maintenance of order at sea. The results of statistical analysis showed that 45,563 cases corresponded to crime perception ability in the presence of Korea National Maritime Police Agency. However, the crime perception ability slid to 60% or 27,087 cases after the breakup of Korea National Maritime Police Agency and launch of Korea Coast Guard(KCG), implying that maritime security is confronted with challenge. Regarding transfer of the functions of Korea National Maritime Police Agency, negative aspects have been highlighted more than positive sides from the standpoint of maritime crime. This suggests that such development has resulted from miscalculated reshuffle of police functions and crime investigation functions of Korea National Maritime Police Agency, which aimed to cover up the inadequacy of the Korea National Maritime Police Agency functions related to rescue and salvage. It should be known that crimes occurring at sea exhibit different characteristics as diverse as sea, compared to ordinary crimes. Maritime crimes are characterized by large-scale and vast damage, difficulty with immediate site investigation, and slow progress in gathering evidences and securing witnesses. Considering that the Korea National Maritime Police Agency under Korea Coast Guard(KCG) still plays pivotal role in crime prevention and suppression at sea which has such characteristics, it would be necessary to recognize importance of the sea, strengthen functions of the curtailed Korea National Maritime Police Agency and expand its maritime investigative roles consistent with its original functions so as to ensure effective response as many countries are recently building up their maritime capabilities. Furthermore, it would be also necessary to establish identity and strengthen status through enactment of single law which is suited to the functions and status of the Korea National Maritime Police Agency and vital for performance of functions, such as organization laws including 「Maritime Police Act」 and Act on Performance of Duties of Maritime Police」, considering that most organizations, including the National Intelligence Service, Prosecution and other special public servant organizations, which carry out special duties related to security, safety, public order maintenance, investigation, etc., have organization laws.