Father with stage 4 cancer, son with developmental disability hid in storage room — police show leniency

Police have announced outstanding cases from the minor-crime review committee, a panel that examines petty offenses with mitigating circumstances and can reduce or waive punishment.

The Korean National Police Agency said Tuesday it had selected nine outstanding cases from third-quarter nationwide minor-crime review committee proceedings, highlighting instances where panels weighed the circumstances behind each offense and supported offenders' return to society.

The Dongjak Police Station in Seoul convened a review committee for a suspect who had stolen instant rice worth 21,000 won ($16) and referred the case to a summary court. The court ultimately suspended sentencing. Police cited the suspect's unemployment and bankruptcy filing as factors making it difficult to meet basic living needs, and noted that the victim did not seek punishment. The suspect was also connected to a Ministry of Health and Welfare project to receive essential household supplies.

The Naju Police Station in South Jeolla Province reviewed a case involving a suspect reported for trespassing after staying in a storage room at a youth training center, and released the person with a warning. The suspect had a developmental disability and was unable to receive adequate care because the sole guardian — the suspect's father — had been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. The victim's wish not to pursue punishment was also taken into account. Police connected the suspect to a support project run by the South Jeolla Province Developmental Disabilities Support Center, enabling access to daytime care services and other needed welfare support.

The Daegu Dongbu Police Station referred an elderly basic livelihood recipient to a summary court after the person stole daily necessities — including laundry soap — worth 11,500 won. Although no settlement was reached because the victim demanded 1 million won in compensation, the committee considered the suspect's efforts toward making amends and sincere remorse. The court imposed a fine of 100,000 won.

Police said they are expanding use of the minor-crime review committee system to prevent petty offenders from acquiring criminal records and to help them reintegrate into society quickly. The agency is also increasing commendations for investigators who make active use of the system. Through September, the number of cases referred to review committees reached 13,425, up about 63 percent from the same period last year.

Kim Jong-cheol, acting commissioner general of the Korean National Police Agency, said the police would continue to uphold the law while pursuing "fair and compassionate law enforcement that meets the public's expectations for minor crimes where guidance and support are more appropriate than punishment."