Police Chief Criticizes 'Investigation Authority Adjustment' Legislative Notice Again... "Contrary to the Principle of 'Checks and Balances'"

Ministry of Justice Solely Oversees and Prosecutorial Power Expansion Controversy
"Efforts to Reflect Opinions Collected During Legislative Notice Period in Draft Legislation"

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

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] Kim Chang-ryong, Commissioner of the National Police Agency, has once again voiced criticism regarding the presidential decree on investigative authority reform currently under legislative notice.

On the 24th, through written materials at a press briefing, Commissioner Kim stated, "The amended law aims to transform the police and prosecution into a cooperative relationship and pursue an investigative structure where the principle of 'checks and balances' operates," but added, "However, the legislative notice draft does not reflect the intent of the amended law."

Commissioner Kim first pointed out that the presidential decree is designated to be solely overseen by the Ministry of Justice rather than jointly managed, allowing the Ministry of Justice to unilaterally interpret and amend the law, which contradicts the principles of 'mutual cooperation' and 'checks and balances.'

He also criticized the inclusion of numerous prosecutorial control powers not stipulated in the law, which expands prosecutorial authority and undermines the police's authority to conclude investigations, as well as provisions that grant discretionary interpretation or exceed delegation limits regarding the scope of prosecutors' direct investigation initiation.

Commissioner Kim emphasized, "Due to these issues, field police officers are also expressing significant concerns," and stated, "To properly implement the legislative decision in line with the reform intent, we will actively collect opinions during the legislative notice period and do our best in follow-up measures to ensure they are reflected in the enactment draft."

Meanwhile, regarding internal police opposition to the 'unified model' autonomous police system, which is expected to transfer local government affairs to the police, Commissioner Kim said, "I believe it is necessary to supplement some provisions that may cause misunderstandings and clarify the relevant standards more explicitly in the presidential decree."

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