Sheriff speaks to Korean police

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Trisha Eldredge
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
GUNSAN CITY, Republic of Korea --  The Gunsan City Korean National Police Chief invited Lt. Col. Mark Anarumo, 8th Security Forces Squadron commander, to deliver a presentation to KNP June 7 at the local police station in Gunsan City.

Colonel Anarumo addressed an audience of more than 220 KNP members, opening his speech with an outline of the demographic features of the United States to help KNP better understand the context of his presentation.

"The United States has of course always been and continues to be a nation of immigrants," Colonel Anarumo said. "There are significant challenges associated with the ethnic makeup of the U.S. as compared to Korea.

"Korea has a homogenous population, with common values among a dominant ethnic group," he continued. "By contrast, the U.S. is a country of mixed ethnicities, each with a unique value system."

Colonel Anarumo also outlined police distribution according to population concentrations before getting to the main purpose of his speech.

"He explained the Routine Activity Theory of the U.S. police system," said Chief Na Yu-In, chief of Gunsan City's branch of the KNP. "It sounds like a pretty good theory."

The Routine Activity Theory is a criminological theory based on the idea that there are three elements required for a crime to take place. These are: 1) a motivated offender has to be present, 2) the presence of a suitable target and 3) the absence of a capable guardian.

While it's difficult to control the presence of motivated offenders, the Routine Activity Theory helps by addressing the other two elements, resulting in a massive expansion of several industries including private security guards.

"The Routine Activity Theory has done much to change the way American police view crime and crime prevention," the colonel said.

Overall, the manipulation of all three elements of RA by police departments and crime prevention agencies has generated what officials call, "impressive reductions" in crime rates throughout the U.S.

Jung Jin-Young, an inspector for the police administration division, said he was glad to have the chance to learn about the American crime-prevention system.

"I'm happy to have had this good opportunity to listen to Colonel Anarumo's speech," said Mr. Jung. "In particular, it was great to get to know more about the U.S. police system. I hope Korean Police will have such a capability in the future and be advanced at that level."
Chief Na said he was glad to host the event.

"We appreciate his speech and it was a great opportunity to learn more about the U.S. police system," said Chief Na.

Last month, Chief Na spoke to 8th SFS Airmen at Kunsan's Loring Club. He shared insights on the Korean Police Law after outlining a history and overview of the force. Colonel Anarumo's presentation was a result of a joint effort between KNP and the 8th SFS to broaden the education of both forces and enhance mission capability.

Colonel Anarumo thanked Chief Na for the invitation to speak to police forces.

"I recognize what a professional and effective agency the KNP is, and I consider it an honor to have been invited to speak to you today," said Colonel Anarumo.