Police to codify ban on case inquiries, private contact ahead of criminal justice overhaul

The Korean National Police Agency plans to formally codify rules barring officers from exerting undue influence on individual cases, as a sweeping overhaul of the criminal justice system is set to significantly expand police authority over criminal investigations. The agency also intends to put in place measures to prevent case concealment, secure investigative fairness and retain experienced investigators.

Acting Commissioner General Yoo Jae-sung made the announcement Wednesday at a regular press briefing held at the agency's headquarters in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. "In 44 days, the new Code of Criminal Procedure will take effect," Yoo said. "We will thoroughly prepare follow-up legislation and institutional reforms so that victims receive stronger protection and the transition proceeds without confusion."

An amended Code of Criminal Procedure separating investigative and prosecutorial functions is scheduled to take effect Oct. 2. With prosecutors set to lose their direct investigative authority, police are expected to wield considerably greater influence over criminal cases — raising concerns about the potential for individual officers to improperly interfere in investigations.

"Through the ongoing TF on follow-up measures for the amended Code of Criminal Procedure, we will codify in the Korean National Police Agency's code of conduct for civil servants the principles prohibiting case inquiries and private contact, and expand the scope of those to whom they apply," Yoo said. "We are also pursuing improvements to increase the effectiveness of related systems, including by specifying types of violations and strengthening disciplinary measures."

He said the agency has been holding weekly TF meetings on follow-up measures since the first week of August, reviewing steps that must be taken before the law takes effect. "We have discussed tasks including rooting out internal corruption, establishing controls over police investigations, and reinforcing investigative staffing and budgets," he said.

Yoo added that the agency also plans to examine measures to prevent case concealment, ensure investigative fairness and allow skilled investigators to remain in their posts for extended periods — issues he said the public has raised concerns about.

The agency is continuing to gather opinions on expanding a personnel rotation system designed to prevent officers from building improper local influence networks within their assigned areas — a practice sometimes referred to as "local police capture."

"We have been collecting opinions from all staff since last week and are maintaining ongoing communication with the police workplace council," Yoo said. "Based on the results of that process, we plan to work with frontline officers and outside experts through a transparent procedure to develop a reasonable approach."