Seoul Police Agency to Introduce Early Warning System for Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Crimes

Published 10 Apr.2022 10:00(KST)

'Serious' Stage, Concurrent Application for Detention in Yuchijang and Guchiso

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[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency is introducing an early warning system for domestic violence and child abuse crimes. They also plan to implement temporary measures to detain suspects in detention centers or jails.

On the 10th, the Seoul Police Agency announced through a press release that they will adopt an early warning system approach for the increasing-risk crimes of domestic violence and child abuse, responding at caution, crisis, and severe stages.

In the early stages of an incident, the agency plans for managers such as the chief and section chiefs to promptly intervene on-site according to the risk level to determine and respond to urgent dangers.

The following morning, the relevant police station will hold a "Risk Warning Assessment Meeting" chaired by the head of the Women and Youth Division to evaluate the appropriateness and risk of the investigation and adjust the risk level rating as needed.

The Risk Warning Assessment Meeting will include the investigation team leader, responsible investigators, and abuse prevention police officers. They will decide on ▲adjusting the risk levels of the early warning system ▲types and duration of safety measures for crime victims ▲necessity of emergency and urgent temporary measures ▲selection of households at risk of recurrence and children at risk of abuse.

For the high-risk "severe" stage, the system allows for concurrent applications to detain the perpetrator in detention centers or jails to secure their custody. Additionally, if there is concern about repeated contact with the victim or other dangers, a warrant can be reapplied for, and if necessary, a Crime Victim Safety Measures Review Committee will be convened immediately.

Choi Kwan-ho, Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, stated, "The early warning system will provide activity standards for each risk level and define the scope of managerial intervention to alleviate the anxiety felt on the ground. We will operate the early warning system faithfully and do our best to ensure the safety of crime victims."