Representatives of South Korea's ruling Democratic Party, the government and presidential office met this morning to discuss reforming the police organization to prevent it from becoming too powerful.
The issue has become a political hot potato after the National Assembly fast-tracked a bill that calls for dividing investigative rights between the prosecution and police.
The three sides said,.... the plan is not about empowering a particular organization,... but instead being able to keep each side in check,... and better protect people's rights and interests.
They also vowed to come up with extra legislation to ensure the police's increased authority is not abused.
The proposal calls for achieving a power balance -- with police to be given the authority to close cases,... independent of the prosecution.
At present, police cannot close a case without approval from the prosecution.... while investigations are also overseen by a prosecutor.
