Police to carry tear gas guns

By Yi Whan-woo

Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency (SMPA) said Friday it will require all its patrol units and riot squads to carry tear gas guns and Tazers to ensure their ability to promptly subdue suspected criminals.

The measure comes amid rising concerns over the safety of citizens following an incident Wednesday in which a man knifed two of his former colleagues and two passersby on a business street in Yeoudio, Seoul.

The 30-year-old suspect, surnamed Kim, allegedly went on a rampage as he had grudge against his ex-coworkers. He continued to brandish the knife until an additional police unit arrived and took him down with a Tazer.

Officers on patrol at the scene only had batons and whistles and failed to suppress Kim. Additionally, riot police positioned near the scene to monitor a labor protest also only carried batons and shields.

The SMPA currently allows its police force to carry firearms, tear gas guns, and Tazers depending on the situation. Its patrol units and riot squads, however, do not have such weapons with them all the time.

“Under the regulations patrols of at least two officers have one armed with a loaded handgun and the other with a tear gas gun or a Tazer, said the agency’s public relations officer, identified by his last name Lee.

“However, officers have been leaving their weapons at police stations following criticism by the public and media of overreacting if a suspect was injured.

Riot police squads used to take tear gas with them in the past when protesters were frequently violent and likely to become uncontrollable, according to the officer.

“However, protests these days hardly involve any assaults on the police and that’s why the squad in Yeouido did not have tear gas guns with them,” Lee said.

The SMPA has requested the National Police Agency to provide 180 million won ($158,700) to purchase the tear gas guns, which will be provided to 23 patrol units and 75 riot squads in the city.

It said it will strengthen police presence near Gwanghwamun where the U.S. Embassy and a number of government buildings are located, as well as Yeouido, home to the National Assembly and many financial firms.