수사 경찰 운영상 문제점과 해결방안에 대한 통합적 연구

Abstract

In light of the adjustment to investigative authority in 2021 and the amendment of investigative rules in 2023, a surge in investigative workload has led to various issues, including extreme choices by frontline investigation police officers and a weakening of investigative capacity. Additionally, during the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan for Police Investigation Advancement in 2015, the opinions of frontline officers were not sufficiently reflected. Previous studies on investigative police have primarily focused on maximizing the role and function of these officers, neglecting to address operational issues from their perspective and explore corresponding solutions. This study aims to overcome these limitations by conducting a comprehensive investigation. Initially, data was gathered and analyzed through interviews with a small group of investigative officers, followed by a broader survey to validate the findings. The study identified the following key operational challenges for investigative police (Research Question A): (1) a substantial increase in workload due to the mandatory acceptance of all complaint and accusation cases under the revised investigative rules, (2) failure to secure investigative personnel despite the organizational restructuring of the police, such as the establishment of mobile patrol units, (3) growing feelings of deprivation due to an ineffective ad-hoc promotion system presented as compensation, and (4) heightened conflicts stemming from the imposition of unrealistic performance indicators. As for potential solutions to these challenges (Research Question B), the study evaluated the following measures: (1) introducing a filing fee for complaints and accusations, (2) revising procedures related to investigations, such as official requests for surveillance camera footage, in consideration of practical realities, (3) implementing a case-based compensation system for complaints and accusations, (4) improving the personnel system to allow immediate replacement of officers on leave from investigative departments, (5) discontinuing performance evaluations based on quantitative achievements, and (6) amending the "Police Investigation Regulations" to expand the grounds for case dismissal, file closure, and complaint-to-petition conversions. Some of the aforementioned issues and solutions require mid- to long-term consideration regarding their feasibility. However, for the immediate stabilization and normalization of investigative police work, a strategy of prioritization and focus is essential. To this end, first, policies that can be implemented within the internal police organization should be prioritized. Second, a consultative body should be established to ensure that the opinions of frontline officers are mandatorily reflected when the Korean National Police Agency promotes investigative policies. Third, efforts should be made to streamline the regional operations of police tactical units and mobile patrol units within provincial police agencies, while consolidating local police precincts at the 2nd and 3rd district levels to foster the development of younger investigative officers who can lead the long-term advancement of investigative police work.