Police Launch Task Force on Follow-up Measures to Criminal Procedure Act Revision, Discuss Reinforcing Investigative Personnel and Budget

[Financial News] The police will launch a dedicated task force to prepare for the new criminal justice system following the abolition of prosecutors' direct investigative authority and supplementary investigative authority.
The National Police Agency said on the 5th that it will operate the "Task Force on Follow-up Measures to the Revised Criminal Procedure Act" from that day until October 2, when the revised law takes effect, in order to carry out follow-up measures without disruption.
The task force will be led by Acting Commissioner Jaesung Yoo and will include the acting director of planning and coordination, the director of investigation planning and coordination, the director of police administration and personnel planning, the inspector general, and the spokesperson.
It will meet once a week to review and discuss the "Measures to Strengthen Fairness in Police Investigations" announced at the State Council of South Korea the previous day, as well as tougher disciplinary and criminal penalties for police misconduct, reinforcement of investigative personnel and budget, and ways to improve related laws and regulations.
The agency also plans to discuss specific implementation measures for recommendations that may later be issued by the Police Investigation Reform Committee, which is made up mainly of outside experts.
The National Police Agency said, "We will move quickly and carefully, centered on the task force, so that the revised Criminal Procedure Act can take root in the field and lead to stronger protection of the public's human rights and interests." It added, "We will make the details known to the public."
Earlier, the government held a State Council meeting chaired by President Lee Jae-myung on the previous day and deliberated and approved the revision bill for the Criminal Procedure Act of the Republic of Korea. The bill removes the legal basis for prosecutors' direct investigative authority and supplementary investigative authority.
As a result, the criminal justice system that has been in place for about 70 years, based on the Prosecutors' Office Act enacted in 1948 and the Criminal Procedure Act of the Republic of Korea enacted in 1954, is now facing a major turning point.
At the nationwide video conference of police leadership, Acting Commissioner Yoo said, "The police will prepare thoroughly, staking the fate of the organization, so that public concerns can be dispelled and the new criminal justice system can take root successfully."
[email protected] Jang Yu-ha Reporter