As the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act, centered on abolishing prosecutors' supplementary investigation authority, passed the Cabinet meeting, acting Commissioner General Yu Jae-seong of the Korean National Police Agency said, "We will dispel the public's concerns and stake the organization's fate to prepare thoroughly so the new criminal justice system can take hold successfully."
On the 4th, acting Commissioner General Yu held a nationwide video conference of the police leadership and said, "We will do our utmost with a determination to reform ourselves so the criminal justice system can be properly established with the public's trust," and stated accordingly.
Acting Commissioner General Yu said, "We are well aware of and take seriously the concerns about the fairness and speed of police investigations, the practical protection of crime victims, and the bloating of the police."
He then promised to enhance the completeness and expertise of police investigations. The police will record every step of the investigation process and make stage-by-stage case notifications more substantive to ensure transparent disclosure. They will also consult closely with prosecutors at the public prosecution office and carry out requests for supplementary investigations swiftly and responsibly to prevent shoddy or delayed investigations. In particular, for cases nearing the statute of limitations, all will be coordinated with the public prosecution office starting three months in advance.
Acting Commissioner General Yu also stressed control measures, saying, "Power that is not checked is bound to be corrupt, and the police are no exception."
He said the police will implement measures including a recusal rule for spouses and lineal relatives of police officers, investigation human rights and internal affairs investigative bodies, and will also incorporate recommendations to come from a "police investigation reform committee." He added that inquiries about cases will be banned, and solicitations regarding cases will, in principle, be treated as official reports of duty violations and dealt with firmly, aiming to cut off concerns about preferential treatment for former officials.
Acting Commissioner General Yu said, "We will reinforce investigative personnel and budgets to improve the overall completeness of handling cases involving vulnerable people, such as stalking and child abuse."
He added, "We will ensure that the institutional overhaul does not delay police investigations or create gaps that cause the public to suffer unfair harm."
He continued, "The sole aim of police investigations is the public, and the only standard will be the law and principles," adding, "We will keep in mind that the police have come to bear a heavy sense of responsibility and duty."
At the meeting, participants discussed changes to the investigative system following the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act. The nationwide police leadership decided to provide sufficient training to frontline investigators and mid-level managers before implementation so the new criminal justice system can be established without confusion, and to review investigative personnel and budget needs for reinforcement and consult with relevant ministries.