"Violent Criminals, Beware"…New Concept Tools and Systems Strengthen 'Scientific Policing'

Ministry of Science and ICT and National Police Agency Sign MOU to Strengthen Cooperation

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] Police officers who fight against criminals armed with knives are expected to become much safer in the future. The development of a button-operated folding shield has been completed and is currently under verification, and it will soon be distributed to all police officers. Additionally, a system that allows callers to notify and share their location and situation with 112 without installing a separate app has entered its final demonstration phase, and if widely adopted, it is expected to help prevent crime victimization.

These new concept public safety tools and systems were created through the "Customized Research and Development Project for Public Safety Field" by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Police Agency. The two organizations plan to further expand and strengthen this "scientific public safety," drawing attention.

On the afternoon of the 14th, Minister Choi Ki-young of the Ministry of Science and ICT and Commissioner Kim Chang-ryong of the National Police Agency signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to expand and deepen the "Customized Development Project for Public Safety Field" across all areas.

Since 2018 until this year, the two organizations have selected seven tasks, including the "Visible 112 Emergency Reporting Support System," "Button-operated Folding Anti-knife Shield," and "Smartphone Fingerprint Identification and Identity Verification System," and have been jointly conducting research and development (R&D) and demonstrations (in the public safety field). On this day, Minister Choi visited Gwanak Police Station to conduct on-site demonstrations of the anti-knife shield and the 112 support system.

Through the MOU signed on this day, the two organizations agreed to cooperate on ▲ research and development projects across all public safety fields, ▲ technological advancement of scientific public safety utilizing science and ICT research outcomes, ▲ promotion of the public safety industry and creation of science and technology-based jobs through practical application and commercialization support of public safety R&D achievements, and ▲ cooperation in building a research foundation in the public safety field using government-funded research institutes in the science and technology sector. To this end, they will hold regular meetings not only at the director-level policy council but also at the manager-level working council.

Minister Choi Ki-young stated, "It is necessary to fully promote scientific public safety by integrating advanced science and technology and ICT capabilities into all police work to enhance public safety capabilities and ensure the public’s peace of mind and happiness. In this regard, signing this MOU to deepen and expand cooperation between the two ministries across all public safety fields is very meaningful and will be a great opportunity to produce good results in the future."