Eradicating Crimes Against Women... Police Increase Personnel in Women and Youth, Cyber Investigation Units

Establishment of the 'Victim Protection Division' at the Provincial Police Agency

On the 25th, the Digital Sex Crime Special Investigation Headquarters plaque ceremony was held at the Northern Building of the National Police Agency in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. / Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] Police personnel responding to crimes against women and digital sex crimes, which have caused public outrage due to the Telegram 'n-beonbang' case, will be increased. 'Victim Protection Divisions' will be established in local police agencies to further strengthen victim protection measures.

The National Police Agency announced on the 31st that it will promulgate and implement the revised "Organization and Enforcement Rules of the National Police Agency and Its Affiliated Institutions" based on these contents.

The most notable part is the increase in personnel for Women and Juvenile Investigation (Yeocheongsusa) and Cyber Investigation. This year, the police will increase 2,029 officers and civilian staff, of which 329 (16.2%) are personnel for Yeocheongsusa, handling crimes against women and minors. In particular, 85% of the increased personnel will be deployed in the first half of the year to be promptly assigned to related duties. Cyber Investigation will also see an increase of 242 personnel (12.0%). Cyber Investigation is the department leading the investigation of the recently highlighted n-beonbang case. The top two departments in personnel increase are Yeocheongsusa and Cyber Investigation, reflecting the police’s strong commitment to eradicating digital sex crimes and crimes against women.

Additionally, Victim Protection Divisions will be newly established in 17 local police agencies nationwide. The victim protection function, which was previously organized as a team under the Audit Division of the Inspection and Audit Office, has been promoted and expanded to a direct division. Each Victim Protection Division will assign at least one Victim Officer, Human Rights Officer, and Crisis Intervention Counselor to establish regionally tailored victim protection policies and take charge of important case responses and victim safety protection. The police plan to secure an additional 41 personnel next year to reinforce victim protection staff.

Furthermore, the police have newly established an Investigation Chief (Senior Superintendent) at the Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency, where investigation demand is high, and increased personnel mainly in investigative departments such as Voice Phishing (109), Drug Investigation (100), Digital Forensics (51), Industrial Medical Accident Investigation (40), Crime Proceeds Tracing Investigation (35), and Industrial Technology Leakage Investigation (16). This is interpreted as a measure to strengthen investigative capabilities and expertise following the passage of the prosecution-police investigation authority adjustment bill in the National Assembly.

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