Police review 88,000 cases, flagging 139 for audit or re-investigation

South Korea's National Investigation Headquarters (NIH) has completed a two-month review of approximately 88,000 long-term and closed cases nationwide. The comprehensive audit, conducted in March and April, involved 201 regional police agencies and stations. The NIH announced on May 7 that the review led to 139 cases being flagged for investigative audit or re-investigation.

During the review, 5,089 ongoing cases received guidance and consultation, with 131 cases requiring further scrutiny. Among the 83,420 closed cases examined, 8 were identified for potential re-investigation, and 101 cases were ordered for re-examination. The NIH also focused on long-term cases exceeding six months, reporting a significant reduction of approximately 41.3% in such cases from 1,347 at the end of March to 791 by the end of April.

The NIH emphasized that the review was not merely about identifying infractions but also about providing concrete guidance and support for cases facing difficulties during the investigative process. This approach aims to enhance the practical support system for case handling. The initiative comes at a time when discussions about the abolition of the prosecution's supplementary investigation rights have intensified, leading to increased scrutiny of police investigative practices.

To address concerns about potential misconduct and insufficient investigations, the NIH is strengthening its system for continuous guidance and inspection of all investigative departments. "Continuous guidance and inspection are not just post-hoc reviews but a preventive management system designed to support the swift and appropriate handling of cases from the public's perspective," the NIH stated. A comprehensive joint inspection of all investigative departments is planned for June and July to identify and address vulnerabilities related to investigative misconduct and sluggish investigations.