Gyeongnam Police Agency, Under Fire Over 'Confiscated Items Theft', Announces Comprehensive Measures to Prevent Recurrence

The Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency, which has faced heavy criticism over a recent 'confiscated items theft' incident, has taken steps to prevent a recurrence.

On November 6, the Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency announced that it had established 'Comprehensive Measures for Improving the Integrated Evidence Management System' and would implement them at all police stations within the province.

Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency. Photo by Se Ryeong Lee

The comprehensive measures focus on: ▲ detailing procedures and methods for managing confiscated items, ▲ supplementing facilities and equipment, and ▲ strengthening management, supervision, and training.

The Gyeongnam police will establish detailed standards for ambiguous regulations in the guidelines for managing confiscated items and will also install equipment such as closed-circuit (CC) TV cameras in storage areas for confiscated items.

In addition, the agency plans to regularly conduct training on evidence management for investigators and local police officers to shed its reputation for 'poor management of confiscated items.'

Detailed contents of the 'Comprehensive Measures for Improving the Integrated Evidence Management System' by Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency. Provided by Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency

Previously, in September, the Changwon Seobu Police Station under the Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency left a motorcycle confiscated from a teenager, identified as A, who was suspected of motorcycle theft, outside without a lock due to a lack of storage space. The motorcycle was stolen twice, but the officer in charge did not notice for two weeks.

During the National Assembly audit of the Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency in October, lawmakers strongly criticized the agency, stating, "The system for managing confiscated items has completely collapsed," "The police station has become a playground for teenagers," and "There is a lack of discipline."

At that time, Kim Jongcheol, Commissioner of the Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency, responded, "We are conducting a special inspection of the management of confiscated items at all 23 police stations under the provincial agency," adding, "We will complete it as quickly as possible."

The Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency explained that it developed these comprehensive measures after analyzing deficiencies identified through inspections of evidence management at police stations in the province.

Commissioner Kim stated, "Confiscated items are extremely important materials in the investigation process," and added, "We will actively implement the comprehensive measures established in response to this incident and strengthen management and supervision to prevent a recurrence of poor management."

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