Police to handle common crimes, adding 881 investigators

As South Korea transitions to a new criminal justice system in October, the police will become the primary responders for victims of everyday crimes such as fraud, theft, and assault. Previously, even after police investigations, victims could appeal to prosecutors for supplementary investigations. However, under the new framework, prosecutors will no longer have the authority to investigate cases directly.

This shift means victims will have to present their statements and supporting evidence directly to the police, even if further investigation is required. The responsibility for addressing victims' grievances and ensuring justice now rests more heavily on the police force. This increased authority comes with a heightened expectation for the police to handle cases thoroughly and fairly.

Concerns have been raised about the police's capacity to manage the increased caseload efficiently. To address potential delays and ensure prompt justice, the National Police Agency announced plans to bolster its investigative ranks by 881 officers. This reinforcement aims to equip the police to handle the expanded scope of their duties effectively, building on lessons learned from previous reforms that saw an increase in case processing times.