Acting Police Chief on Incheon Firearm Incident Controversy: "Personnel Action Will Follow Once Facts Are Revealed"

"Protection Measures for Stalking Victims Should Be Applied Directly to the Court"

On August 5, Yoo Jaeseong, the acting Commissioner General of the National Police Agency, addressed concerns regarding the delayed police response to the Incheon homemade firearm incident, stating, "Once a thorough investigation through internal audit reveals the facts, personnel action will be taken."

On the 5th, at the plenary meeting of the Public Administration and Security Committee held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Yoo Jaesung, acting commissioner of the National Police Agency, is responding to a lawmaker's question regarding stalking crimes. Photo by Yonhap News

At the plenary session of the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee that day, Acting Commissioner Yoo said, "To confirm the facts and prevent recurrence, we will strengthen the revision of manuals, expand equipment, and enhance education and training."

He also stated that it is necessary to improve the system so that temporary and provisional protection measures for victims of relationship-based crimes such as stalking and domestic violence can be applied for directly to the court, rather than through the prosecution.

Under current law, the police can implement temporary and provisional measures to separate perpetrators and victims of stalking and domestic violence, such as restraining orders, electronic location tracking devices, and detention. However, in cases of dating violence, the police do not have the authority to impose such temporary or provisional measures. The police explained that these measures require approval from the court after review by the prosecution, but there have been cases where the process does not go beyond the prosecution stage, resulting in the failure to protect victims.

Regarding the stalking murder case that occurred in Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi Province, on July 26, it became known that the police had applied for temporary and provisional measures, but the prosecution dismissed the request, leading to controversy.

Regarding the decision not to refer Ryu Heelim, former chairman of the Korea Communications Standards Commission, for indictment on charges of obstruction of business in connection with the alleged instigation of civil complaints, Acting Commissioner Yoo stated, "If there is an appeal, the investigation review committee will thoroughly examine the case."