Kim Chang-ryong, Commissioner of the National Police Agency, "Presidential Decree on Investigation Authority Adjustment Completely Contradicts the Spirit of the Law"

Leave the Possibility Open for Prosecutor's Visit

Commissioner Kim Chang-ryong of the National Police Agency. / Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Kim Chang-ryong, Commissioner of the National Police Agency, took a firm stance against the presidential decree on the adjustment of investigative authority between the prosecution and the police, which was announced for legislative notice on the 7th, saying it "completely contradicts the spirit of the law" at his first press briefing since taking office.

On the morning of the 10th, at the National Police Agency building in Migeun-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Kim said at his first press briefing with reporters since his inauguration, "Although considerable opinions were presented and discussed, it seems that the purpose of the amendments to the Criminal Procedure Act and the Prosecutors' Office Act was not properly reflected."

Kim first pointed out the issue of the so-called 'Investigation Guidelines,' which include mutual cooperation between prosecutors and judicial police officers and general investigative principles, being regulated solely under the Ministry of Justice's jurisdiction. He said, "The Investigation Guidelines are a framework for cooperation that realizes mutual cooperation and equality," adding, "It should have been jointly managed, but it is really regrettable that it could not be carried out due to the Ministry of Justice's opposition."

He also criticized the part that allows the prosecution to continue investigations once a search and seizure warrant is issued. Kim pointed out, "According to the purpose of the law amendment, the scope of investigation initiation by prosecutors should not be expanded through the enforcement decree," and added, "If a prosecutor obtains a search and seizure warrant early in the investigation and continues the investigation without transferring the case to the police based on that, it effectively allows unlimited criminal investigations." He emphasized, "Allowing investigations beyond the scope stipulated by law, especially permitted by a presidential decree, completely contradicts the spirit of the law."

Kim said, "There will be opportunities for legislative notice periods and various discussions in the future, and we will do our best to actively express our position and strive to ensure that the presidential decree properly reflects the purpose of the amended Criminal Procedure Act and Prosecutors' Office Act by gathering public opinion from the field and various sectors of society."

With the relationship between the police and prosecution being reestablished as one of equality and cooperation, Kim also left open the possibility of visiting the prosecution. He said, "If it is necessary for work and various discussions are needed, I am willing to meet anyone from any institution."

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