Police: "Heavy Responsibility in Investigation Authority Adjustment... Will Reborn as the People's Police"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] Regarding the passage of the prosecution and police investigation authority adjustment bill through the National Assembly plenary session on the 13th, the police emphasized that they will "make 2020 the inaugural year of responsible investigations."

The National Police Agency issued a statement after the bill passed the National Assembly, saying, "The amendment of the Criminal Procedure Act and the Prosecutors' Office Act, which embodies the people's aspirations for the adjustment of investigation authority, was made after long discussions," and "We respect the legislative decision of the National Assembly."

The police particularly reflected, "We feel a heavy responsibility because it means that in a democratic investigative structure where the principle of 'checks and balances' operates, the police are to fulfill their role and mission as the original investigative subject."

In line with the adjustment of investigation authority, the police also expressed their determination to make this year the "inaugural year of responsible investigations." The police stated, "As the criminal justice institution that meets the public first, we will establish a fair and neutral investigation system based on high-level expertise," and "We will expand public participation and oversight in police investigations and strengthen internal and external control mechanisms throughout the entire process from case reception to closure."

Regarding the provision that defines the prosecution and police as equal "cooperative partners" for the first time in 66 years since the enactment of the Criminal Procedure Act, the police said, "We will closely cooperate with the prosecution based on respect and trust, jointly pursuing the common goals of criminal justice: discovering substantive truth and protecting citizens' human rights."

Finally, the police pledged to become a trusted "people's police" through continuous police reform. The police emphasized, "We will not stop change and innovation until we meet the public's expectations for a successful leap toward democratic, human rights, and community policing," and "We will fulfill the police mission toward a 'just and safe society' through law enforcement that protects citizens' human rights and interests deeply and gains public empathy."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.