Recent amendments to the Criminal Procedure Act have expanded police investigative powers, leading to an increase in cases where retired police officers are being prevented from taking jobs at law firms. From 2021 to 2024, 81 out of 229 (35.4%) applications for employment at law firms by retirees from the National Police Agency were restricted or rejected. In particular, the rejection rate has increased sharply since 2024, and there is a trend towards concentration among senior superintendents. The employment screening process focuses on the relevance between the applicant's pre-retirement work and the intended employer, taking into account potential conflicts of interest. As police investigative experience becomes increasingly important in the legal market due to amendments to the Criminal Procedure Act, the rigor of the employment screening process is also increasing.
