This study aims to analyze the access and security systems of prosecutors' offices based on reported incidents related to their protection and to propose a practical and realistic way to develop these systems. As a key facility in the criminal justice...
This study aims to analyze the access and security systems of prosecutors' offices based on reported incidents related to their protection and to propose a practical and realistic way to develop these systems. As a key facility in the criminal justice process, the prosecution serves an important role in realizing the rule of law. Therefore, if prosecution offices are exposed to threats such as terrorism, arson, or unauthorized intrusion, the entire criminal justice system could be paralyzed. Despite this critical importance, research on the security of prosecution offices has been virtually nonexistent. Moreover, the level of institutional and physical security measures is not sufficiently established compared to that of courts.
Recently, in particular, there has been a clear trend toward increasingly violent and sophisticated illegal acts by petitioners. These acts have escalated beyond mere shouting and verbal abuse to include rampages with weapons, chemical attacks, and destruction of facilities using vehicles or heavy equipment. Despite this phenomenon, the prosecutorial office's building security system still has complex structural problems, such as functional limitations and operational confusion.
The research methods employed a combination of literature reviews, case analyses, and interviews with field experts. First, the study analyzed laws and regulations about the protection of prosecutors' offices. The research then selected seven major incidents that occurred at prosecutors' offices between 2013 and 2024, with organized key summaries for a quick overview. Subsequently, interviews were conducted with four current prosecution office security personnel (two public security officers and two security guard officers) to incorporate on-the-ground perspectives. Based on this, issues within the prosecution office's security system and development were identified.
Key analyzed incidents include: ① Suspect escape during prosecutor's office investigation (2013) ② Self-immolation attempt due to dissatisfaction with case handling (2013) ③ Sulfuric acid terror attack in criminal mediation room (2014) ④ Excavator terror attack at Supreme Prosecutors' Office (2016) ⑤ Gwangju District Prosecutors' Office Japanese sword (long sword) rampage incident (2021) ⑥ Drug-induced gangster driver storming the Ulsan District Prosecutors' Office (2021), and ⑦ "Send me to prison!" violent disturbance with a weapon in the public affairs office (2023). These incidents share a typical pattern of being impulsive yet involving a certain level of preparation. They show that the physical security system of the Prosecutors' Office is ineffective in responding to threats involving strategic preparation and atypical attack methods.
The research findings summarize three major issues found in the access and security systems of the Prosecutors' Office building. First, the dual structure, where security responsibilities are divided between internal (security officer) and external (security guard) zones based on rank, creates confusion during crises and increases the likelihood of gaps due to a lack of command structure. Second, existing security equipment, such as X-ray scanners, speed gates, and walk-through metal detectors, is not actively used, or its efficiency is reduced due to insufficient training on operating the equipment. Third, personnel shortages make it difficult for building security officers to handle both security screening duties and building patrols simultaneously. Furthermore, the excessive assignment of prosecutorial administrative tasks beyond their core security duties undermines the expertise of security operations.
To address these issues, the following three ways to improve were proposed. First, it is proposed to establish a 'Prosecutors' Office Security Management Unit' (tentative name), which would integrate security police and security guards. This takes into consideration the example of the‘Court Security Management Unit’ currently operating within the courts, enabling flexible and immediate responses in crises while, moreover, clarifying the chain of command to ensure clear accountability. Second, to enhance the expertise of building security officers, it was proposed to institutionalize regular training on the use of X-ray scanners. Introducing an annual' Security Screening Skills Competition' and a semi-annual 'Best Practices Award System' would encourage voluntary use of security equipment and foster greater devotion to their duties. Third, it was emphasized that institutionalizing organizational management is necessary to either codify the core duties (security) of government building security officers into law or clarify them through guidelines, thereby limiting their reassignment to prosecutorial administrative tasks and ensuring the maintenance of dedicated security police.
This study represents the first academic approach in Korea concerning access control and security at prosecutors' offices. It can be said to hold both academic and practical significance, as it broadly reflects not only legal and institutional aspects but also real-world experiences from the field. Particularly, violent crimes or physical intrusion attempts targeting law enforcement agencies have significant ripple effects on society as a whole. Therefore, the improvement of the security system for prosecutors' offices is not only about protecting the institution; it is a crucial element for ensuring the stability of the national criminal justice system and securing public trust in the judicial system.
Future research should expand the scope of practitioner interviews, meticulously analyze the actual instances of using security equipment, and examine the necessity and feasibility of revising relevant laws and guidelines. This requires follow-up studies dealing with both quantitative and qualitative aspects.
Such continuous academic efforts will not only contribute to enhancing the effectiveness of the prosecution office security system but also provide practical insights for improving the protective response systems of other government offices exposed to similar security threats.