Coast Guard Headquarters Launches 'Investigation Reform Task Force'... Establishing an Advanced Criminal Justice System

Follow-up Measures on Police-Prosecutor Investigation Authority Adjustment
Identifying Reform Tasks to Enhance Investigation Expertise and Accountability

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] The Korea Coast Guard is launching the 'Investigation Reform Task Force' as a follow-up measure to the passage of the investigation authority adjustment law (amendments to the Criminal Procedure Act and the Prosecutors' Office Act) in the National Assembly.

According to the Coast Guard on the 22nd, the Investigation Reform Task Force will revise related laws, including the enactment of presidential decrees following the amendment of the Criminal Procedure Act, and prepare plans for organizational and personnel restructuring.

It will also identify various reform tasks to enhance the professionalism and accountability of Coast Guard investigations.

Through the operation of the task force, the Coast Guard plans to meticulously revise subordinate laws, including presidential decrees, to strengthen human rights protection, and amend related laws that conflict with the revised Criminal Procedure Act, such as the command relationship between the police and prosecution, to establish a unified legal system.

In particular, the task force will redesign the criminal justice system to ensure that the purpose of the investigation authority adjustment is properly reflected in marine-specific investigative procedures, such as the search, seizure, and bail processing procedures for foreign vessels engaged in illegal fishing.

Previously, the Coast Guard has promoted a total of 30 investigation reform tasks, including the introduction of the 'warrant review officer system,' implementation of the 'self-defense note,' and strengthening the professionalism of investigative police officers.

The Coast Guard will continue to identify and promote additional reform tasks to protect human rights and secure the professionalism and fairness of investigations. To this end, it will continuously operate the Investigation Reform Committee, which includes external experts from academia, the legal community, and human rights sectors, to gather opinions.

Cho Hyun-bae, Commissioner of the Coast Guard, stated, "We will thoroughly prepare and promote reforms so that the Coast Guard can be recognized as a truly responsible investigative agency after the adjustment of investigation authority."