Police officers will now have to think twice before kicking down doors and breaking windows in pursuit of thieves, as a revised law will require them to pay for the damage they cause, the Seoul police said Monday.

The revision to the Act on the Performance of Duties by Police Officers requires the police to pay for damage caused while performing official duties, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. The changes, which went into effect Sunday, detail the requirements, amount, and payment procedure for the compensation.

Until now, victims could get compensation for unlawful police damage, but not for damage that was caused during lawful police activities.

The Seoul police will hold regular meetings to determine whether damage has been directly caused by police, and whether the amount of compensation requested is appropriate.

The police will issue cash payments to repair or replace the items, depending on the extent of damage. It will also compensate the businesses for loss of sales caused by the damaged or destroyed object.

Those who suffered property damage can submit a file to the local police station, seeking reimbursement.

By Suh Ye-seul (sys@heraldcorp.com)