Child Abuse: Moon Emphasizes 'Definite Measures'... Will Police Follow-Up Actions Gain Momentum?

Emphasis on Prevention Systems and Rapid Response
Mention of Deploying 'Specialized Police Officers'... Expansion of Police APO Expected
Measures Needed Beyond Police at Government and National Assembly Levels

On the 18th, citizens are watching the live broadcast of President Moon Jae-in's New Year's press conference in the Seoul Station waiting room. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] On the 18th, President Moon Jae-in emphasized the need for "definite countermeasures" regarding the death of a 16-month-old adopted child in Yangcheon, Seoul, known as the "Jeong-in case," during his New Year's press conference. Attention is focused on whether a more comprehensive government-level plan will be introduced alongside the child abuse response improvement measures currently established or being promoted by the police.

President Moon stressed the reorganization of the child abuse response system on that day. Specifically, he mentioned a system to quickly detect signs of crisis in abused children, measures to separate children from their parents or adoptive parents when suspected abuse situations are found, and the expansion of temporary protection facilities and shelters. He also proposed expanding the number of specialized child abuse-dedicated public officials and establishing a comprehensive discussion system involving the police, schools, medical community, civil society, and child protection agencies.

The most proactive government agency currently presenting countermeasures related to child abuse response is none other than the National Police Agency. The police received three reports at the time of the incident but failed to take proper action, and ultimately, Jeong-in passed away in October last year. As this fact became known, the police faced severe public criticism. Earlier this month, Police Commissioner Kim Chang-ryong issued a direct public apology and presented measures to prevent recurrence.

The countermeasures mentioned by President Moon are also being concretized by the police. The National Police Agency has established a "Abuse Prevention Division" dedicated to child abuse and formed a joint task force (TF) composed of the National Police Agency and the National Investigation Headquarters to systematically establish abuse prevention policies and prepare legal and institutional measures. Additionally, crimes of child abuse against children under 13 will be handled by special investigation units of city and provincial police agencies.

Since child abuse prevention itself cannot be achieved by the police alone, voices are calling for a whole-of-government response involving the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, and others. There are also parts that require legislative amendments at the National Assembly level, such as guaranteeing prompt separation measures for abused children.

However, President Moon drew a line by acknowledging the police's shortcomings but stating that it is unrelated to the adjustment of investigative authority. This was in response to a question about ongoing controversies over inadequate investigations and responses by the police, who have primary investigative authority following the adjustment of investigative rights. President Moon said, "In cases of child abuse, sensitivity is very high, so I think it is important that the police recognize the importance of such cases accordingly."

Furthermore, President Moon emphasized the deployment of "specialized police officers" for child abuse. His intention is to "strengthen preparations so that specialized police officers, by being deployed, can work in connection with child abuse-dedicated public officials and local community child protection agencies to detect abused children earlier and take appropriate measures when abuse is reported."

This aligns with the currently operating Abuse Prevention Officers (APO) within the police. The idea is that APOs should have greater expertise and operate at the forefront of child abuse prevention. However, currently, APO is considered an undesirable department within the police due to workload and other factors. Without exceptional treatment, it is difficult to cultivate high-quality personnel with expertise.

Within the police, various discussions are currently underway regarding plans to increase APO personnel. Previously, the police stated they are reviewing giving priority and offering exceptional incentives to officers with degrees or certifications related to children and youth. The police's forthcoming measures will be closely watched to see if they can provide practical incentives for expanding APO personnel.

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