Acting Commissioner General Inspects Field Readiness for 'Investigation System Reform'

Visit to Seoul Dongdaemun Police Station for Pilot Program
Full Commitment to System Stabilization, Including Addition of 2,000 Personnel

The Acting Commissioner of the National Police Agency has inspected the field's preparedness ahead of the restructuring of the criminal justice system.

Kim Jongcheol, acting commissioner of the National Police Agency, visited Dongdaemun Police Station in Seoul on the 10th to inspect the pilot operation in preparation for the enforcement of the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act. National Police Agency

On September 10, Kim Jongcheol, Acting Commissioner of the National Police Agency, visited Dongdaemun Police Station in Seoul to check the readiness for the implementation of the new system. Dongdaemun Police Station is conducting a pilot operation of the new framework prior to the enforcement of the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act.

During a meeting with investigative police officers, Acting Commissioner Kim expressed, "I would like to thank all field officers who are faithfully fulfilling their duties to protect the safety of the public." He added, "While there is pressure to promptly establish the new legal system, as acting commissioner, I promise to do my utmost to address concerns in the field."

The top priority is to reinforce investigative personnel. From last year through the first half of this year, the National Police Agency added 1,900 people, and during the upcoming personnel appointments in the second half, approximately 2,000 additional staff will be assigned to investigative departments. Kim stated, "If necessary, we will boldly push for further recruitment" and instructed, "Ensure that the most competent and mission-driven individuals are secured."

Incentives for investigative officers, whose responsibilities and workload have increased, will also be expanded. The National Police Agency will implement the following initiatives: ▲Shortening the required service period for promotion by one year for outstanding investigative officers at or below the rank of inspector, ▲extending the mandatory retirement age by up to four years for exceptional investigative personnel among superintendents, ▲expanding the scale of special promotions for superintendents and teams, ▲and awarding additional points in performance evaluations to intensive investigative departments such as integrated investigation teams.

In addition, support necessary for the implementation of the new system—such as investigation budgets, allowances, equipment, and the reorganization of the Korea Investigation & Criminal System (KICS)—will be provided in a timely manner. Measures to improve working conditions, including securing office space and furnishings, will also be carried out so that the increased investigative staff can immediately begin their duties. Kim stated, "We are considering practical incentive measures so that you can approach your investigative work with pride and confidence. Please actively communicate any difficulties you encounter in the field."

The National Police Agency plans to update and distribute investigative guidelines reflecting the changes in the system, including revisions of relevant laws and internal directives such as the Police Investigation Regulations and Crime Investigation Regulations, in line with the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act. In addition, from the 21st, regional on-site training sessions will be held nationwide, along with comprehensive training for investigators and online training for all staff members. Officers who have been absent from investigative departments for extended periods and new investigators will receive strengthened practical training beforehand.

Kim emphasized, "With the new criminal justice system, the roles and responsibilities of field investigative officers have become even more important," adding, "We will do our best to ensure that the police investigation process earns the public's trust and reassurance."

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