Gwangju Police Conduct 'Restorative Policing' Focused on Victim Recovery in the First Half of This Year

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] #. A (16) and two others stole an expensive bicycle while playing with friends. After riding the stolen bicycle for several days, A voluntarily went to the police station and surrendered. The victim, who was angry recalling the hardship of searching every corner of the neighborhood to find the bicycle, informed the police that they hoped the children would grow into honest adults rather than be punished.

Accordingly, the police connected them to a restorative dialogue meeting, and the children reflected more deeply while talking with their parents. The victim also said that the 'restorative dialogue' was a very satisfactory choice.

Additionally, the parents of the children expressed gratitude that the police acted as mediators, providing a stable environment for the conversation.

The Gwangju Metropolitan Police Agency announced on the 17th that it has been conducting 'restorative police activities' focused on victim recovery in the first half of this year.

Since April, out of 8 cases received through restorative police activities, 6 have been resolved through dialogue meetings, and 2 are ongoing.

Restorative police activities are a new paradigm of police work that aims to restore victims and improve relationships through voluntary participation and dialogue among victims, offenders, and the community in resolving conflicts, disputes, and crimes in the local community, ultimately maintaining community peace.

First, target cases are selected; juvenile cases are reviewed by the Women and Youth Division, adult cases by the Audit and Inspection Office, and collaboration is done with professional organizations commissioned by the National Police Agency.

The results of restorative dialogues, conducted through preliminary and main meetings, are reflected in minor offense or guidance review committees or criminal procedures.

However, restorative dialogue requires the voluntary consent of both victims and offenders and can be refused midway. It is known to be effective for juvenile cases or minor crimes such as noise between floors, parking issues, and minor school violence.

Choi Gwan-ho, Chief of the Gwangju Metropolitan Police Agency, said, “Recently, due to COVID-19, the entire local community is facing difficulties, making warm police activities based on the values of coexistence and symbiosis more necessary than ever. Restorative justice, which centers on relationship recovery and victim healing, aligns with humanism. We will do our best to establish restorative justice as a new paradigm of police activities.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.