Police Officer Who Uploaded Deceased's Photo and Mocked It Avoids Trial: Here Is Why

It has been confirmed that an active-duty police officer, who sparked controversy after uploading a photo taken at a death scene and an internal police fingerprint automated search system screen to their personal social media, received a suspension of indictment.

On September 23, the Ansan Branch of the Suwon District Prosecutors' Office issued a suspension of indictment for Police Inspector A, who is accused of leaking official secrets.

A suspension of indictment is a non-indictment disposition where a prosecutor concludes a case after determining that while criminal charges are recognized, formal trial is deemed unnecessary.

Inspector A is accused of responding to a death scene in February, using a smartphone to photograph the scene, downloading a photo of the fingerprint automated search system screen containing the deceased's fingerprints, and posting them on personal social media.

Inspector A reportedly posted the images along with captions such as, "Anyone want to guess what this is?" and "I shouldn't eat sundae [blood sausage] anymore," mocking the victim.

Afterwards, captures of the post spread online, causing a controversy. The Audit and Inspection Office of the Gwangmyeong Police Station requested an investigation from the head of the Gwangmyeong Police Station, who then filed an official complaint against Inspector A on charges of leaking official secrets.

The Korean National Police Agency stated, "Regarding the incident where a district unit police officer posted death scene photos on social media, Acting Chief Yoo Jae-sung ordered immediate relief from duty along with a strict investigation and inspection."

Subsequently, the Ansan Sangnok Police Station investigated the case and forwarded Inspector A to the prosecution in March.

Inspector A also received a disciplinary punishment of a three-month suspension from duty over the incident.

The prosecution judged the matter to be serious in that Inspector A committed an act that could undermine public trust in police officers and damage the honor and feelings of the bereaved family.

However, it was reported that the decision not to take the case to trial was made in consideration of factors such as Inspector A having served as a police official for over 20 years and already receiving a three-month disciplinary suspension.

Reported by Jung Da-eun | Video by Kim Bok-hyung | Graphics by Yang Hye-min | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.