Investigation System on Fire-related Crime - Problems and Solutions -

Abstract

Considering difficulty in protecting the fire scene and a high possibility of destroying the evidence, fire-related crime requires timely and professional responses compared to general crime. In South Korea, the special police system for firefighting has been introduced for this reason, but there are many problems in legal, organizational, and technical aspects. This study examined fire-related crime cases in Korea and proposes the solutions. First, in the legal aspect, we proposed the amendment of the legislation and the change in the scope of work, including the revision of Article 196 of the Criminal Procedure Act, inspection of dangerous goods, and the revision of Police Officer's Job Execution Law. Second, in the organizational aspect, we proposed the coordination of investigative rights, the establishment of special departments and the municipal and provincial teams, the unification of organizational systems, and the collaborative investigation with prosecution and police. Finally, as for technical aspect, we proposed the securing of professional manpower and the expansion of professional equipment.