💡 Key Point: Before submitting a criminal complaint, you must confirm the correct jurisdictional police station to ensure efficient case handling.
When you become a victim of a crime or wrongdoing, one of the first legal actions you may consider is filing a complaint. However, many people are confused about where exactly they should submit the complaint. In Korea, not all police stations accept every case—your complaint must be submitted to the appropriate jurisdictional police station that oversees the incident or the accused. Identifying the right station in advance saves time and helps your case move forward more smoothly.
📌 What Is a Jurisdictional Police Station?
A jurisdictional police station is the specific police unit responsible for handling incidents that occur within its geographic area. Jurisdiction is generally determined based on two main factors: the location of the incident and the residence or workplace of the accused. This system ensures investigative efficiency and prevents unnecessary delays caused by transferring cases between districts.
🔎 How to Confirm the Correct Jurisdiction
Before submitting your complaint, you must check which police station has authority over the matter. Here are several reliable ways to verify jurisdiction:
- 1. Incident Location: File your complaint at the station nearest to where the crime occurred.
- 2. Accused’s Address: If the suspect’s residence is different, jurisdiction may also lie there.
- 3. Online Search: Use the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA) website to find the jurisdictional station by entering your address.
- 4. Call the Police: Dialing 112 or 182 allows you to speak directly with officers who can guide you to the right station.
📝 Steps for Submitting a Complaint
Once you’ve identified the correct police station, you can proceed with the filing process:
- Prepare the complaint: Include complainant and accused details, incident description, evidence, and your legal request.
- Visit the jurisdictional police station: Submit the complaint at the civil affairs office or investigation division.
- Receive a receipt: The case will be assigned an official reference number.
- Investigation begins: Police will conduct interviews, gather evidence, and verify facts.
- Case forwarded to prosecution: Once the police investigation is complete, the file is sent to the prosecutor’s office.
⚠️ Important Things to Keep in Mind
- If you file at the wrong police station, your case may be delayed as it is transferred to the correct one.
- Submitting a false complaint can result in criminal liability under false accusation (무고죄) laws.
- Insufficient evidence may lead to the case being dismissed for “lack of suspicion.”
- For complex or sensitive cases, consulting a lawyer to draft your complaint is strongly recommended.
💡 Quick Tips to Save Time
If you want to avoid unnecessary travel, use the KNPA website or the 182 helpline to verify the jurisdiction before writing your complaint. In some cases, preliminary filing or inquiry can be initiated online, making the process even more efficient.
✅ Summary: Filing a complaint in Korea requires identifying the correct jurisdictional police station.
Always check the incident location and the accused’s address, and use the official police website or hotlines for confirmation. Submitting to the right police station ensures your case proceeds without unnecessary delays.
