After criticism that the name was inappropriate, the government and governing party agreed to rename the unit. Its function is to re-examine cases police decided not to refer to prosecutors.
The government and governing party have settled on renaming the body that reviews police investigative outcomes, from 'judicial control division' to 'non-referral case review division.' The step follows criticism that the earlier name did not fit the function.
광고 문의 · 300×250The unit re-examines cases police decided not to send to prosecutors — so-called non-referral decisions. Cases in which complainants have filed objections are the principal subject.
Critics argued the word 'control' made the relationship between agencies read as hierarchical. Officials say the actual function is not to direct a particular agency but closer to reviewing whether individual cases were handled appropriately.
The non-referral system was introduced after the restructuring of investigative authority. As police gained the ability to close cases they judged to lack grounds, a follow-up review procedure was established alongside it.
The renaming does not alter the scope of authority. The subjects of review, procedures and processing deadlines are set by statute and rule, and this measure is limited to the organization's name.
An agency's name is nonetheless the first clue in explaining the character of a system to the public. Observers note practical significance in how it affects a complainant's understanding of the procedure.
Objection procedures apply equally to foreign residents. Commentators have repeatedly noted that interpretation support and multilingual written guidance determine actual accessibility. (Source: Korean press reports)
