A drug suspect held in a police detention cell attempted to take his own life, and the officers responsible for his supervision are now under internal investigation for negligence.
The North Jeolla Provincial Police Agency has launched an inspection probe into three detention cell supervisors, including Inspector A, a police officer in his 50s attached to the Iksan Police Station.
Inspector A and the other officers are suspected of failing to properly supervise a man in his 40s, identified as B, who had been placed in the detention cell on charges of violating the Act on the Control of Narcotics around 2:30 p.m. on April 2.
B attempted to take his own life inside the cell but was discovered and transferred to a hospital for treatment. His condition is not believed to be life-threatening.
The provincial agency's investigation review unit, which launched the inspection targeting officers on duty at the time, determined that Inspector A and the other supervisors had broadly neglected their duties. The neglect included bringing personal mobile phones into the facility and using them while on duty.
Under current Korean National Police Agency directives, detention cell officers are prohibited from carrying mobile phones while on duty. They are also required to take precautions to prevent detainees from escaping or attempting suicide, to maintain order in the facility, and to look after detainees' health.
"We determined that the officers in charge of the detention cell at the time failed to properly handle detainee supervision and order maintenance," a North Jeolla Provincial Police Agency official said. "The relevant documents have been forwarded to the audit unit, and only the disciplinary committee's decision remains pending."
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or self-harm, contact the Ministry of Health and Welfare's helpline at 1393, available 24/7. Please request a translator for English-language services.
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