Legislation Committee Passes Police Act Amendment... Introduction of Autonomous Police and Establishment of National Investigation Headquarters

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] The revision of the Police Act, including the introduction of the autonomous police system and the establishment of the National Investigation Headquarters, passed the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee on the 8th.

The Legislation and Judiciary Committee held a plenary session that day and approved the bill containing these provisions. The amendment includes dividing the current police duties into national police and autonomous police.

The autonomous police operate under the command and supervision of the city/province autonomous police committee, an independent administrative agency under the mayor or governor of the city/province, and are responsible for public safety closely related to residents' daily lives within their jurisdiction, traffic, safety management of mass gatherings, and school violence tasks.

The National Investigation Headquarters will be established within the National Police Agency. A Senior Superintendent General will serve as the head of the headquarters. However, reappointment is not allowed, and impeachment by the National Assembly is possible if there is a violation of the Constitution or laws.