Introduction of Autonomous Police System and Establishment of National Investigation Headquarters
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun Announces 'Follow-up Measures for Power Institution Reform' Plan
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun announced that as part of follow-up measures for reforming power institutions such as the prosecution, police, and National Intelligence Service (NIS), a "Preparatory Task Force for the Establishment of the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Office" will be established under the Prime Minister's office, and a "Follow-up Promotion Team for the Adjustment of Prosecution and Police Investigation Authority" will be formed to revise subordinate laws. A local police system will be introduced, and a National Investigation Headquarters will also be established.
On the 31st, Prime Minister Chung announced the "Follow-up Measures Promotion Plan for Power Institution Reform" at the Government Seoul Office, stating, "We have established institutional measures to fundamentally prevent abuse of power through checks and balances among power institutions," and added, "The establishment of the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Office and the adjustment of prosecution and police investigation authority will serve as new stepping stones toward a fair society without privileges through the democratization of power institutions."
First, a "Preparatory Task Force for the Establishment of the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Office" will be set up under the Prime Minister's office. This task force will support all matters related to the launch of the office scheduled for July.
Prime Minister Chung explained, "The High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Office will have the authority to prosecute judges, prosecutors, and police officers of superintendent rank or higher," and added, "Through the strict activities of this office, high-ranking officials will no longer be able to gain benefits or exert influence through improper means."
A "Follow-up Promotion Team for the Adjustment of Prosecution and Police Investigation Authority" will also be established to revise subordinate laws such as general investigation guidelines and the scope of prosecutors' investigation initiation. This team will coordinate with the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and others to adjust detailed aspects including the organization and personnel restructuring of the prosecution and police.
Prime Minister Chung emphasized, "With the adjustment of investigation authority, the police will exercise primary authority to conclude investigations, enabling faster resolution of cases than before," and added, "The prosecution will be able to focus more on protecting human rights during investigations and on prosecution and maintenance of public prosecution."
A local police system will be introduced, operating separately as national police and local police. This measure aims to prevent the police power from becoming excessive or abused due to prosecution reform and adjustment of prosecution and police investigation authority. A National Investigation Headquarters will be newly established to institutionally support the enhancement of police investigative capabilities.
Prime Minister Chung stated, "Local police will protect the safety of citizens from domestic violence or traffic accidents more promptly," and added, "The National Investigation Headquarters will enhance police investigative capabilities and enable responsible investigations by blocking the involvement of station chiefs in investigations."
He also added directions for reforming the National Intelligence Service. The NIS has already carried out self-reform by completely abolishing its domestic intelligence department and focusing on overseas and North Korea-related intelligence activities.
Prime Minister Chung said, "The NIS will be reborn as an agency solely dedicated to protecting national security and citizens' human rights," and requested, "I hope the 20th National Assembly will cooperate to finalize reforms by passing the National Intelligence Service Act during its remaining term."
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