Acting Police Chief: 'Organization's Fate Rests on Stabilizing New Criminal Justice System'

As the promulgation bill for the partial amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act was approved in a Cabinet meeting, Acting National Police Agency Commissioner General Yoo Jae-sung stated that the organization will "stake its fate and thoroughly prepare" to stabilize the new criminal justice system.

Presiding over a video conference with national police commanders today (the 4th), Acting Commissioner General Yoo said he is well aware of public concerns regarding the fairness and promptness of police investigations, the protection of crime victims, and the expansion of police authority.

"We will enhance the completeness and professionalism of police investigations," he said, adding that he will strengthen cooperation with the upcoming Serious Crime Investigation Agency and create an environment where capable investigators are favored and can work long-term.

He also emphasized that transparency in investigations will be increased by recording all investigative processes and substantiating case notifications at each stage, while preventing poor or delayed investigations by closely consulting with prosecutors from the Prosecution Service and promptly fulfilling requests for supplementary investigations.

In particular, he stated that cases nearing the statute of limitations will be mandatorily discussed with the Prosecution Service starting three months prior to expiration, preventing instances where criminals escape punishment due to lapsed statutes of limitations.

He added that the police will also actively accept external oversight.


"Beyond procedural controls in the criminal process, such as the Prosecution Service's requests to replace investigative offices and the expansion of those eligible to file objections, we will establish a dense network of oversight mechanisms," he said, citing measures such as the prevention of police officers from investigating cases involving spouses or lineal ascendants and descendants, police investigation human rights and inspection oversight bodies, and recommendations from the Police Investigation Reform Committee.

In addition, he noted that corruption during investigations will be strictly monitored and held accountable, adding that concerns over preferential treatment for former high-ranking officials will be blocked by prohibiting inquiries into cases and making the referral of case lobbying for official investigation the principle.

Acting Commissioner General Yoo also presented the strengthening of victim protection as a key agenda item.

"We will institutionalize systems so that crime victims, as subjects of rights, can receive sufficient information regarding police investigations and voice their opinions directly," he said, while pledging to reinforce investigative personnel and budgets.

"We will ensure that the public does not suffer unfair damages due to police investigation delays or gaps caused by this institutional reorganization," he added.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.