Tragedy Involving Female Personal Protection in Guro... Police Begin Overhauling Related Systems

Photo by Moon Honam, Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency / Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] Last month, in Guro-gu, Seoul, another victim under the crime victim safety protection (personal safety protection) system fell prey to a stalking perpetrator, prompting the police to revise the related system.

On the 3rd, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced, "We have reviewed the effectiveness of existing measures and improved the victim safety assurance system." The police first mandated that the "Crime Victim Safety Measures Review Committee" be convened immediately upon the release of perpetrators, such as after a warrant dismissal. For major cases, the committee chair will be elevated to the police chief, encompassing the 112 emergency and criminal investigation functions to implement measures equivalent to proactive criminal activities. The police explained, "This includes more effective victim protection measures such as strategic deployment of personnel, enhanced patrols, and CCTV installation," adding, "In urgent cases, precinct or police box team leaders and the 112 situation team leader will take preliminary action, with the review committee making decisions afterward."

The police also plan to activate the "Release Notification System for Victims," enabling victims to be informed and prepared for the perpetrator's release. ▲Detailed information will be provided to victims via phone or text message, ▲If necessary, victims will be advised again to use protective facilities such as temporary shelters, and ▲If victims do not wish to enter protective facilities, the review committee will thoroughly discuss various safety measures.

Measures against perpetrators will also be strengthened. The police will notify perpetrators that they are under close surveillance and warn that approaching victims or threatening their safety after release may lead to arrest and detention. If perpetrators still approach victims or engage in stalking, the police will reapply for arrest warrants. Additionally, during serious or crisis stages indicated by the early warning system, the police explained that on-site intervention by station chiefs and a Field Training Exercise (FTX) led by the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency for all police stations are conducted to improve response capabilities and address shortcomings in stalking crime response.

Choi Gwan-ho, Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, stated, "We will clarify on-site response methods according to risk levels and eliminate or reduce anxiety factors through preventive police activities and proactive risk management to protect victims," adding, "We will make the safety net against stalking crimes even more robust."

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