Following a controversy over the Busan police forwarding two developmentally disabled individuals to prosecutors last month on special larceny charges for sharing a 1,500-won ice cream without paying at a convenience store, authorities have decided to improve the investigation system for cases involving developmentally disabled individuals.

The Busan Metropolitan Police Agency announced today (July 29) that cases involving developmentally disabled individuals as suspects or victims will be mandatorily assigned to dedicated police officers, and designated as special management cases supervised by police station chiefs from receipt to conclusion.

During the investigation process, officials from specialized organizations such as the Developmental Disabilities Support Center will be required to accompany them as trusted companions, and their communication skills, characteristics of their disability, and capacity for responsibility will be thoroughly examined.

Minor cases will be actively referred to the Minor Offense Review Committee, and for cases excluded from review under the current system, the agency plans to propose institutional improvements to the National Police Agency.

Today, the Busan branch of the Korea Association of Parents of the Disabled held a press conference in front of the Busan Metropolitan Police Agency, arguing that it is necessary to examine whether the characteristics of developmentally disabled individuals and their procedural rights were sufficiently considered during the investigation of this incident.

After the press conference, the group visited the Busan Jin Police Station to deliver a letter of protest, urging the prevention of similar cases and improvements in judicial procedures.

Previously, the Busan Jin Police Station drew backlash from parents after forwarding two developmentally disabled individuals to prosecutors on special larceny charges for sharing a single uncalculated ice cream at a convenience store last month.

Police explained that when two or more people jointly steal items, the special larceny charge applies, making them ineligible for referral to the Minor Offense Review Committee and difficult to dismiss without charges.

Taking into consideration that the individuals were first-time offenders and had reached a settlement with the victim, prosecutors issued a suspension of indictment for them.

(Photo: Yonhap News)