A so-called conflict-of-interest recusal system regarding cases involving police officers' family members will be implemented ahead of the enforcement of the revised Criminal Procedure Act.

The Korean National Police Agency announced today (8th) that it is implementing recusal guidelines that prohibit direct investigations into cases involving spouses, direct ascendants and descendants, and brothers and sisters, transferring them to other police offices instead.

When a case is received involving a family member of a police officer working at the same office or someone who worked there within the past three years, the investigator must submit a recusal application and, under the direction of the provincial or metropolitan police agency, transfer the case to another office within the jurisdiction of the same court.

To protect victims, continuous investigations are necessary, or in cases of emergency or arrest after catching a suspect in the act, investigations may exceptionally proceed without a transfer. However, they must undergo monthly reviews regarding the appropriateness of case handling under the approval of the chief of the provincial or metropolitan police agency.

Initially, the National Police Agency scoped the range of "family cases" to spouses and direct ascendants and descendants. However, the scope was expanded after accepting the opinion of the Police Investigation Reform Committee that the scope must be broadened to include siblings to enhance the practical effectiveness of the system.

The National Police Agency stated, "We will discuss follow-up measures in accordance with the enforcement of the revised Criminal Procedure Act and review tasks for strengthening the control of police investigations so that they proceed without a hitch."

(Photo: Yonhap News)