Vehicles of Stalking Offenders Can Also Be Searched... Strengthening Initial Response Measures

Movement Path Search and Real-Time Location Tracking Available
'Electronic Ankle Bracelet' Attached to Stalking Offenders

From now on, it will be possible to issue warrants for vehicles of stalking criminals and track their real-time locations.

On the 8th, the National Police Agency announced that "stalking crimes" have been added to the scope of crimes subject to "crime-related vehicles (vehicles designated as wanted or requiring route searches)." The National Police Commission recently held an extraordinary meeting and deliberated and approved the "Partial Amendment Ordinance on the Operation Rules of the Wanted Vehicle Search System," which includes this content.

Accordingly, starting this month, it has become possible to issue warrants, conduct route searches, and track real-time locations for vehicles of stalking criminals. Crime-related vehicles refer to vehicles that have been or are intended to be used for criminal acts, vehicles used by suspects or accused persons in criminal acts, or vehicles designated as wanted or requiring route searches.

Previously, under the Criminal Act, designation of crime-related vehicles was only possible for crimes such as △explosives-related crimes △arson and reckless fire △murder △special injury and special assault △arrest and confinement △abduction, luring, and human trafficking △special trespassing △special coercion △special extortion △special damage △theft and robbery △crimes related to stolen goods △escape and concealment of criminals.

In addition, it applied to special laws such as △Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes △Act on the Punishment of Specific Violent Crimes △Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes △Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes and Protection of Victims △Act on the Protection of Children and Juveniles from Sexual Abuse, the Narcotics Control Act, the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Prevention of Illegal Narcotics Transactions △Act on the Punishment of Violent Acts, etc. This time, the "Act on the Punishment of Stalking Crimes" has been included.

When a wanted vehicle passes through a location equipped with CCTV or a reader, the recognition device reads the wanted vehicle and transmits the CCTV/reader location information, vehicle photo information, and warrant information to the police station in charge of the vehicle passage point.

The police have recently promoted improvements to related regulations to prevent stalking crimes from escalating into violent crimes such as murder. A National Police Agency official said, "This will enable a firm initial response to stalking crimes that can develop into heinous crimes, which is expected to help prevent crimes."

Furthermore, starting from the 12th, electronic tracking devices can also be attached to stalking crime offenders. If there is a recognized risk of recurrence of stalking crimes, the court can order the offender to stay away from the victim at the request of the prosecutor and attach an electronic tracking device as a provisional measure. In addition, the "Electronic Supervision Victim Protection System," which automatically notifies the victim if the stalking offender approaches the victim, will also be strengthened.