Acting Korean National Police Agency chief: “Discussing with relevant ministries a plan for police to directly seek interim measures in relationship-related crimes”

[Financial News] Kim Jong-cheol, acting chief of the Korean National Police Agency, said discussions were under way with relevant ministries on a plan for police to apply directly to courts for interim measures, without going through prosecutors, to protect victims of relationship-related crimes such as stalking. He also said he was consulting with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS) about staffing shortages in the women and juveniles affairs field, which handles relationship-related crimes.
At a comprehensive audit of the National Assembly’s Security and Public Administration Committee on the 26th, acting chief Kim responded after Rep. Lee Sang-sik of the Democratic Party of Korea raised the need for police to apply directly to courts for protective measures for victims of relationship-related crimes. “I agree with what you said,” he said, adding, “In cases of relationship-related crimes, measures such as protective measures are based much more on administrative procedures than on judicial action.”
Rep. Lee pointed out that, because relationship-related crimes occur within close relationships, it is difficult to take further measures if a victim forgives the perpetrator, and there are also limits to physically separating the perpetrator and victim. He noted that the application process for interim measures, such as requiring the attachment of an electronic monitoring device or detaining someone in a holding cell, is delayed because it must go through a prosecutor. He also said there have been cases in which protective measures were not implemented because prosecutors declined to seek them, or crimes occurred while people were waiting for a warrant.
When Rep. Lee pointed out that “going through a prosecutor to put protective measures in place takes considerable time,” acting chief Kim replied, “That’s right.” Asked whether he intended to pursue legal amendments, he said, “We are continuing discussions with the relevant ministries.”
The low grant rate for interim measures also came under scrutiny. Rep. Lee criticized the fact that while the overall grant rate for interim measures is about 80%, the courts grant applications to require electronic monitoring devices in only around 30% of cases. Acting chief Kim responded, “I understand it to be around 35%.”
Staffing shortages in efforts to address relationship-related crimes were also raised. Rep. Lee criticized the fact that, despite the complex procedures required to protect victims—including assessing risks and reviewing various evaluation criteria—the number of police officers assigned to the work has actually fallen compared with three years ago, even as relationship-related crimes have increased.
“Staffing shortages are particularly serious in the women and juveniles affairs field, which handles relationship-related crimes,” acting chief Kim said. “We are discussing staffing support with MOIS.”

[email protected] Kim Ye-ji Reporter