Democratic Party floor leader vows police reform following investigation failure

SEOUL, Aug. 25 (Yonhap) -- Democratic Party floor leader Han Byung-do said Tuesday that the ruling party will draw up a comprehensive plan to reform the police organization and establish a trustworthy investigation system.

Han made the remarks one day after a body believed to be that of missing woman Jang Mi-ran was found on the southern resort island of Jeju following a delayed search caused by a police officer's false closure of her missing-person case.

The case drew particular attention as the police are set to assume greater investigative responsibilities in October, when prosecutors will lose their independent and supplementary investigative powers under sweeping prosecution reforms spearheaded by the ruling party.

"The Democratic Party will fulfill its responsibilities to the very end in devising a comprehensive plan for the reform of the police organization and establish an investigation system that the public can trust," Han said at a party meeting at the National Assembly.

"We'll coolly reveal the police's wrongdoing and hold those responsible strictly accountable," he said, urging police leadership to thoroughly uncover the full circumstances surrounding the false closure of Jang's case.

Han stressed that a police force that fails to earn the public's trust has no reason to exist.

He then vowed not to allow Jang's case to fuel public anxiety and distrust over the new criminal justice system. "As police authority is set to expand, the police must further strengthen their investigative capabilities, accountability, transparency and democratic oversight," he said.