Jeonnam Police Promote 'Investigation System Establishment' Following Revised Criminal Procedure Act Implementation

Published 10 Nov.2020 18:21(KST)

Updated 19 Aug.2025 20:11(KST)

Efforts to Establish a Prepared Investigation Scene for Reliable Policing Under the Banner of Responsibility, Fairness, and Human Rights Protection

Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency building exterior

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Chunsu] The revised Criminal Procedure Act clearly establishes the cooperative relationship between the police and the prosecution by abolishing the prosecutor's investigative supervision, creating an environment where the police can independently conclude cases and take full responsibility for investigations.

The Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency announced on the 10th that, with the revised Criminal Procedure Act set to be fully enforced on January 1 next year, it is making various efforts to improve the quality of police investigations and ensure fairness to meet the expectations of the public.

Jeonnam Provincial Police Chief Kim Jaegyu emphasizes the police's responsibilities and roles in the changing investigative environment by giving lectures on "Investigation Structure Reform and Future Tasks" during his visits to police stations.

In response to these changes in the investigative environment, Jeonnam police are enhancing the capabilities of individual investigators through multifaceted training to produce investigation results that parties involved in cases can accept.

The revised law also includes numerous human rights protections for suspects, such as restrictions on late-night interrogations, prohibitions on prolonged interrogations, and bans on separate investigations.

From case reception to assignment and conclusion, internal and external control mechanisms have been strengthened throughout the investigative process, including random case assignments after case reception, prior review by warrant examiners for compulsory investigations such as arrest warrants, and re-examination by investigation reviewers upon case closure.

Additionally, the law practically guarantees the right to legal counsel, implements detailed human rights protection measures such as video recording and audio recording of statements, and establishes systems for disqualification, objection, and recusal of investigators.

Jeonnam police evaluated, "Although the revision of the Criminal Procedure Act has some shortcomings, such as still recognizing direct investigations by the prosecution due to incomplete separation of investigation and prosecution and not improving the prosecution's exclusive right to request warrants, it is a meaningful first step in realizing the principles of 'checks and balances' and 'trial-centered justice.'

They added, "We plan to gradually strive to improve the quality of investigations to meet public expectations and build trust in the police, thereby improving the prosecution's exclusive right to request warrants and ultimately achieving the investigation structure reform that separates investigation and prosecution."