Jeonnam Police Hold Commemorative Event for 'Forensic Science Day'

The Light of Truth, Forensic Science is Light

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Chunsu] The Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency's Forensic Science Division announced on the morning of the 4th at 9 a.m. that it held a commemorative event to honor meritorious personnel and commend the efforts of forensic investigators in celebration of 'Forensic Science Day.'

Considering the COVID-19 situation, the event was held on a small scale with only about 30 attendees, including forensic investigators, while adhering to quarantine guidelines.

The police have designated November 4 as 'Forensic Science Day' to commemorate the establishment of the first 'Forensic Department' under the Security Bureau of the Ministry of the Interior on November 4, 1948.

The history of forensic science in Jeonnam Police began on November 3, 2014, when the Forensic Science Division was newly established within the Investigation Department, having previously been handled separately by each police station.

Since then, the system has been maintained as a three-regional wide-area forensic science system centered on the Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency (Western, Eastern, and Central regions). On April 3, 2020, a department-level Forensic Science Division was established, and as of 2021, it has been expanded and reorganized into two sections and five regional wide-area forensic science teams.

In particular, on September 13 of this year, the 'Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency Polygraph Examination Office Eastern Branch' was opened in the annex building of Suncheon Police Station to alleviate civil complaints in the eastern region of Jeonnam.

The Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency's Forensic Science Division consists of 78 forensic investigators who are dispersed across five regions?Mokpo, Suncheon, Naju, Gwangyang, and Gangjin?to promptly respond to various incidents and accidents, carrying out forensic duties at the forefront of crime scenes.

Up to October 2021, they have actively conducted 3,700 on-site investigations, 1,550 autopsies, and 548 polygraph examinations, scientifically collecting traces left at crime scenes and professionally analyzing evidence to discover substantive truth.

The main tasks of the Forensic Science Division include criminal analysis profiling, polygraph (lie detector) examinations, video analysis, forensic hypnosis, composite sketching, fire investigation, underwater forensic science, and bloodstain pattern analysis.

The police are applying new forensic techniques developed through advances in science and technology to the field, strengthening the responsibility system in various areas. Considering the revision of the Criminal Procedure Act, which established the police as the primary investigative agency, efforts are being made to reinforce evidence-based trials and trial-centered procedures.

In the broader context of investigative structural reform aimed at improving judicial changes and past investigative system flaws, the collection of objective evidence to protect human rights and discover substantive truth, as well as the evidentiary power of such evidence, have become more important than ever.

Chief Kim Jaegyu, while looking at photos of forensic field activities displayed at the event venue, praised the efforts of forensic investigators who have braved harsh mountain paths, raging fires, and cold waters. He also urged them to respond proactively to crimes by combining high-level scientific knowledge and diverse know-how to properly fulfill their role as responsible investigators meeting the changed public expectations alongside the launch of the National Investigation Headquarters and other police reforms.

During the subsequent 'Meritorious Personnel Awards,' three forensic investigators, including Sergeant Yoon Yeogon, who received the Commissioner General's Commendation, were honored.

Sergeant Yoon Yeogon pledged, "Each forensic investigator will develop specialized capabilities in forensic science to serve as a central axis for 'evidence-centered human rights investigations,' contributing to solving various crimes and creating an environment where citizens can live with peace of mind through more active forensic activities."

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