By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter
A total of 29 female police officers were posted at Incheon International Airport Monday to improve its public image, which was tarnished following a recent smuggling case involving a male officer.
Police authorities believe that female officers are less vulnerable to receiving kickbacks and other "temptations," and more likely to prevent crimes involving police officers.
According to the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency, 29 female officers were sent to the airport, and now make up about 25 percent of the 115 police positions.
The figure is also almost a three-fold rise from the previous 10. Police officers may not be stationed at a single location for more than three years. The officers will help monitor the security staff.
"Also, the female police officers are expected to help deliver a friendlier and more vibrant image of the airport, which is the gateway to Korea for foreigners," a police insider was quoted as saying. The moves are part of the airport police's internal streamlining plan that came after two male officers were caught participating in a smuggling attempt.
On Jan. 22, two police officers - a 45-year-old Yu and 38-year-old Kim - wrapped a total of 30 kilograms of gold bars around their waists and passed through the security counters using their identification cards.
They were supposed to hand the gold to a smuggler at a boarding gate for a flight bound for Nagoya, Japan, but were caught by customs officers. Police authorities dismissed the police detachment head at the airport and arrested the two.
According to the plan announced Monday, 95 percent of the airport's officers will be relocated.
"I believe the relocation will energize the police. We will fight against any irregularities to the end," Kang Hee-rak, commissioner general of the National Police Agency, said Monday during a visit to the airport.