The National Police Agency's Criminal Investigation Headquarters to Increase Investigative Police Officers and Awards

Director Nam Gu-jun's Internal Network Letter
Increase by 1,500 Personnel to Shorten Processing Deadlines
Expansion of Special Promotions and Increase in Investigation Expenses

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Jo] Nam Gu-jun, head of the National Investigation Headquarters, has proposed incentives such as increasing investigative police personnel and expanding rewards. This measure addresses complaints and concerns about overwork, declining morale, and weakened investigative capabilities following the adjustment of investigative authority between the prosecution and police.

On the 5th, Nam posted a letter on the police internal network 'Polnet' stating, "The National Investigation Headquarters thrives only when the investigation field thrives, and the police thrive only when the National Investigation Headquarters thrives," and introduced specific measures. According to the main plans, 1,554 personnel will be added over the next five years to ensure that complaint and accusation cases are processed within 60 days, and the recruitment of investigators through competitive exams will be expanded with a target of 1,300. This aims to restore the average case processing time per person, currently 64.2 days, to the pre-adjustment level of 55.6 days. Additionally, 269 fixed-term administrative support officials will be hired so that investigators can focus solely on actual investigations. This means freeing them from general administrative tasks such as drafting decision documents and copying investigation-related paperwork, which were previously handled by prosecutors.

Promotion and reward systems will also be expanded. Starting next year, a 'Comprehensive Reward System for Investigation Departments' will be operated to increase special promotions and shorten the length of service required. Performance bonuses and investigation expenses will also be increased. Nam said, "We will create an investigative field where the simple but important principle of 'being rewarded according to effort' is upheld, and where investigators can work with pride and confidence."

Although various interpretations arose regarding the measures announced amid police control controversies and the replacement of the commissioner, the National Investigation Headquarters stated, "There is no political intention." A foreign affairs official familiar with the National Investigation Headquarters' situation said, "The situation is so severe that employees in the investigation department take turns to escape to avoid investigations," adding, "To prevent a mass exodus, the National Investigation Headquarters has long coordinated with various support departments, and this is the result of those efforts."