Seoul: The nation's top police investigator announced a commitment to improving the quality of initial investigations before cases are forwarded to prosecution. This pledge follows the National Assembly's recent approval of a bill that eliminates the prosecution's direct and supplementary investigation powers.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Hong Seok-ki, head of the National Office of Investigation (NOI) under the Korean National Police Agency, expressed a deep sense of responsibility amidst this critical shift in the criminal justice system. The Assembly's decision to amend the Criminal Procedure Act last Friday removes the prosecution's ability to conduct direct investigations, requiring them instead to request judicial police officers for supplementary investigations.

Hong emphasized the collaborative requirement set forth by Article 195 of the revised Criminal Procedure Act, which mandates cooperation between prosecutors and judicial police officers in investigations, prosecutions, and the maintenance of public prosecutions. He views this legislative change as a move to distinctly separate investigative and prosecutorial functions, thereby clarifying the respective roles and responsibilities.

The NOI chief anticipates a significant reduction in prosecutors' requests for police to conduct supplementary investigations. He noted that police would still have the ability to seek legal advice from prosecutors, who are bound to provide guidance. The revised law requires that all findings from additional investigations, along with related materials, be submitted to the prosecutor, which Hong believes will improve investigation completeness and safeguard the public from potential harm.

Addressing concerns about potential indiscriminate requests from prosecutors for supplementary investigations, Hong assured that the police would only refer cases after thorough consultations with prosecutors.