Leniency rises for crimes committed out of economic necessity as minor-offense reviews top 13,000

[Financial News] A jobless person who stole ready-to-eat rice worth 20,000 won because of financial hardship received leniency after a police review of the minor offense and was even given daily necessities. Cases are increasing in which police consider the economic and social circumstances of suspects who commit minor offenses, reduce the penalties they face, and connect them with welfare support.
According to the National Police Agency on the 3rd, nine exemplary cases were selected from among cases reviewed by minor-offense review committees nationwide in the third quarter of this year. In those cases, mitigating circumstances were identified, dispositions were reduced, and support was provided to help suspects reintegrate into society.
Seoul Dongjak Police Station sought a summary trial for a suspect who stole ready-to-eat rice worth 21,000 won. The investigation found that the suspect had committed the offense while struggling to make ends meet after losing a job and filing for bankruptcy.
Police took into account that the harm had been made good and that the victim did not want the suspect punished. The suspect was ultimately granted a deferred sentence and also received daily necessities through the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s Just Dream program.
A case in which a suspect with a developmental disability was connected with welfare services was also selected. Naju Police Station in South Jeolla Province let go with a warning a suspect who had entered and stayed in a storage room at a youth training center and was reported on suspicion of trespassing.
The suspect had a developmental disability, and it was difficult for them to receive care after their father, their only guardian, was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Taking into account that the victim did not want the suspect punished, police let the suspect go with a warning and connected them with the South Jeolla Developmental Disabilities Support Center so they could receive daytime care services and other support.
There was also a case in which the penalty was reduced after the suspect’s financial circumstances were considered, despite the failure to reach a settlement with the victim. Daegu Dongbu Police Station sought a summary trial for a suspect who stole daily necessities worth 11,500 won, including laundry soap, from a supermarket. The victim demanded 1 million won in settlement money, and no agreement was reached. However, police took into account that the suspect, an elderly recipient of basic livelihood security benefits, had tried to make restitution and was remorseful. The suspect was ultimately fined 100,000 won.
The Minor Offense Review Committee is a system designed to prevent suspects in minor criminal cases from accumulating criminal records and to support their reintegration into society. It reviews whether to reduce a penalty by comprehensively considering the circumstances of the offense, the extent of the harm, whether restitution has been made, and the suspect’s living conditions. The system’s effectiveness is drawing attention, particularly because it goes beyond simple punishment to identify suspects who have fallen through the cracks in welfare provision and connect them with needed support.
Use of the system is also increasing. As of September this year, 13,425 cases had been referred to minor-offense review committees nationwide, an increase of about 63% from the same period the previous year.
The National Police Agency plans to expand awards for investigators who actively use the system. Acting National Police Agency chief Kim Jong-chul said, "While upholding the law and principles, I will work to ensure fair and compassionate law enforcement that meets the public’s expectations for minor offenses where guidance and support are needed more than punishment."
[email protected] Lee Dong-hyuk Reporter