CCTV Footage of 'Child Abuse' at Daycare Seized by Police, Accessible to Guardians as Well

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] From now on, if child abuse is suspected at daycare centers, parents will be able to view the closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage seized by the police. Viewing will also be possible within the necessary scope for the treatment and care of the affected child.

The National Police Agency's National Investigation Headquarters announced on the 2nd that it has newly established and will apply procedures for police viewing of seized CCTV footage based on these details.

This procedural improvement was made in connection with the revised guidelines by the Personal Information Protection Commission and the Ministry of Health and Welfare, which allow parents who have entrusted their children to daycare centers to view the original CCTV footage.

Accordingly, child guardians can view the CCTV footage secured by the police without de-identification or consent from related parties for investigative purposes aimed at identifying the facts of abuse. However, providing copies or reproductions of the footage is not allowed in accordance with the principle of non-disclosure of criminal cases before prosecution.

Additionally, if the daycare center has closed, the footage has been deleted, or viewing is refused, making it impossible for guardians to access the footage, the police can verify the seized footage within the necessary scope for treatment, care, and recovery of damages.

If guardians need the full footage despite having viewed it during the investigation process, they can request information disclosure. In this case, the decision will be made according to the procedures under the Information Disclosure Act.

A police official stated, "We will continue to promptly and accurately confirm the facts of abuse during child abuse investigations and do our best to protect the affected children."

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