Jeju Officer Investigated for Falsifying Missing Person Report

A police officer in Jeju, South Korea, faces investigation for allegedly falsifying a missing person report. The officer claimed to have spoken with the missing woman, Jang Mi-ran, over the phone and closed the case, but call records indicate no such conversation occurred.

Jang, 37, disappeared from her home in Hanlim-eup on May 13. Her boyfriend reported her missing the next day. The investigating officer, a man in his 30s, reported that Jang was fine after speaking with her and subsequently closed the case. However, Jang's family reported her missing again last month, leading to the discovery of the alleged fabrication.

Internal police manuals stipulate that officers must meet missing persons in person before closing a case. This rule is in place to prevent situations where someone might impersonate the missing person over the phone, delaying the search. "Even if the voice on the other end of the line is the missing person, they could be under duress or being held," said one missing persons detective from a Seoul precinct. "Confirming their well-being through an in-person meeting is a basic fundamental."

Jeju Provincial Police Agency is now investigating the officer for dereliction of duty and reviewing all missing person cases he handled. They have identified other individuals whose cases were closed by the same officer and who remain out of contact with their families. The National Police Agency plans to improve the missing persons investigation system to require review and approval from a division or team leader before closing a case.

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Even if the voice on the other end of the line is the missing person, they could be under duress or being held. Confirming their well-being through an in-person meeting is a basic fundamental.