Court Acquits in Assault Case
"Suncheon Police" Investigation Criticized for Inadequacy
Promotion Review Without Disciplinary Action for Responsible Officer
Police Personnel System Under Scrutiny
Controversy is growing over the responsibility for inadequate police investigations and the personnel system, as it was recently revealed that Officer A, a senior officer at Suncheon Police who investigated the assault case involving the Pungdeok District Urban Development Association in Suncheon, Jeonnam, has been included among candidates for promotion.
The incident occurred on February 28, 2023, during a meeting of the Pungdeok Urban Development Association in Yeonhyang-dong, Suncheon. During a dispute over allegations of corruption in the association's management, physical contact took place. At the time, Mr. B, a delegate of the association, reported to the police, claiming to be the sole victim.
However, the police, without conducting basic fact-checking procedures such as securing CCTV footage from the scene or questioning multiple witnesses, concluded that it was a "mutual assault" and booked Mr. B as a suspect. Based on this, the prosecution proceeded with a summary indictment.
In the formal trial, the court's judgment was the exact opposite of the police investigation. The court completely rejected the police's "mutual assault" assessment and acquitted Mr. B. The verdict became final when the prosecution chose not to appeal.
In its ruling, the court stated, "The defendant Mr. B's use of physical force was merely the minimum action necessary to leave the meeting room, and there is no evidence of intent to attack."
The issue arose afterwards. Despite the court's clear identification of investigative errors, there has been no internal investigation or disciplinary action taken so far against Inspector A, who was in charge of the case at Suncheon Police Station.
On the contrary, Inspector A, who led the investigation at that time, has recently been classified as a candidate for promotion and is reportedly awaiting a promotion review.
Criticism is mounting that the structural problems within the police organization are laid bare, as the officer responsible for the flawed investigation and erroneous judgment is not only spared any personnel disadvantage but is even up for promotion, highlighting the notion that "there is no accountability even when investigations are wrong."
Related parties pointed out, "It is hard to accept that the person responsible for an investigation, which was completely refuted by the court for making a citizen a criminal suspect by concluding mutual assault without sufficient investigation, is being considered for promotion without any verification."
The local civil society also urges responsible explanations and institutional improvements from both Suncheon Police and the Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency, stating, "As long as such a personnel structure remains, there will inevitably be more wrongful victims in the future."
This case is seen as a clear illustration of the reality within the police organization, where, even after an innocent citizen was exonerated following nearly two years of legal battles, there is no accountability for investigative failures, while the personnel procedures continue to function as usual.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
