National Police Agency Supports Litigation Costs for Families of Fallen, Injured Officers and Unapproved National Merit Recipients

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Jo] On the 23rd, the National Police Agency announced that it will provide litigation expenses support for those who were denied recognition as line-of-duty deaths, injuries, or national merit recipients.

The support targets those who were not recognized as line-of-duty deaths or severe injuries (such as cancer lasting more than six months, brain or cardiovascular diseases), or those who were recognized but denied status as national merit recipients. The National Police Agency plans to use 150 million KRW from the welfare card fund to support up to 5 million KRW per case for attorney or labor consultant fees for administrative appeals (reexaminations) or administrative lawsuits filed since September 2018. The total support per case can reach up to approximately 20 million KRW.

Previously, since the system was first implemented in April 2019, the National Police Agency has supported a total of 77 cases with 181.45 million KRW until last month. By year, the breakdown is ▲2019: 20 cases, 51.44 million KRW ▲2020: 17 cases, 44.25 million KRW ▲2021: 33 cases, 71.65 million KRW. This year, support was provided for 7 cases amounting to 14.1 million KRW through April. The National Police Agency plans to review and disburse litigation expenses monthly based on cases received from provincial police agencies for prompt support going forward.

Additionally, the National Police Agency will conduct an evaluation exam for selecting investigators on the 28th. Following the recent passage of the "Prosecutor's Investigation Authority Restriction Act" (Geomsu Wanbak Law), which expanded police investigative authority, the police will grant qualifications according to the "Investigator Qualification Management System" operation plan. Investigators with investigative experience (meeting investigative department work requirements) will take an objective multiple-choice criminal law competency test, while chief investigators will take a descriptive test assessing investigative capabilities to receive their qualifications. A total of 4,180 candidates will take the exam, including 3,921 with investigative experience and 259 chief investigators.

Among those selected with investigative experience, those currently working in non-investigative departments will be granted preliminary investigator qualifications and will receive intensive training on specialized knowledge and practical procedures before transferring to investigative departments. Investigators granted chief investigator qualifications will be assigned to their preferred departments (positions) first.