The police, criticized over cases including the "high school girl killer" Jang Yun-gi case, decided to implement a recusal system that bars officers from handling cases involving their own family starting in September.
The Korean National Police Agency held a follow-up task force (TF) meeting on the revised Criminal Procedure Act on the 7th and made this decision. It plans to introduce a recusal system covering police officers' spouses and lineal ascendants and descendants by early next month.
In line with the second-half personnel reshuffle, the police will transfer and reorganize the investigative inspection function, previously operated by the National Office of Investigation (NOI), to the Human Rights Audit Office, and will launch an internal corruption investigation unit.
It also decided to prepare detailed plans to strengthen management and oversight of cases in which prosecutors demand supplementary investigations or request reinvestigations, and to establish a subcommittee on socially vulnerable groups within the police investigation deliberation committee. It will also introduce a "report by attorney on behalf of informant" system that keeps the informant anonymous.
Under the revised Criminal Procedure Act, the police will reduce the police mobile unit and reinforce investigative personnel by 881 officers. It will review options for additional personnel needs based on consultations with relevant ministries and internal adjustments and discuss them again.