[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] The National Police Agency announced on the 17th that it will conduct a comprehensive safety inspection of more than 2,600 women’s safe return routes and women’s safe zones nationwide for one month starting from the 18th.
According to the 2018 Social Survey by Statistics Korea, 47% of women reported feeling fearful when walking at night. To alleviate women’s anxiety, the police have been selecting women’s safe return routes and women’s safe zones by region since 2013 and conducting annual safety inspections. Currently, there are 2,180 women’s safe return routes and 492 women’s safe zones designated and operated nationwide.
The police plan to reorganize by newly selecting or canceling safe return routes and safe zones based on a comprehensive analysis of crime occurrence, 112 emergency calls, public opinion, and crime prevention diagnosis results. Women’s safe return routes are selected mainly in areas with high anxiety, considering factors such as ▲low pedestrian traffic ▲low illumination ▲frequent street crimes and 112 emergency calls. Women’s safe zones are designated considering factors such as ▲the need for management at the zone level rather than road level ▲frequent specific types of crimes such as sex crimes and home intrusion ▲regional characteristics like a high concentration of single-woman households.
In cases where security facilities such as closed-circuit television (CCTV) or streetlights are insufficient or environmental maintenance is needed, the police will coordinate with local governments to reflect these needs in CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) projects. Additionally, through the police’s own project called the “Women’s Crime Prevention Infrastructure Project,” basic security facilities such as lighting and emergency bells will be installed.
Furthermore, by analyzing vulnerable time periods and types of crime occurrences, customized patrols will be conducted, and intensive patrols will be carried out in collaboration with cooperative organizations such as local neighborhood watch groups. A National Police Agency official stated, “Through this comprehensive reorganization, we will create an environment where all local residents, including women, can live with peace of mind.”
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.


