Daejeon City Launches Pilot Operation of 'Autonomous Police'... Establishment of Autonomous Police Committee

Daejeon Metropolitan City Autonomous Police Committee Launch Ceremony. [Photo by National Police Agency]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Following Gangwon, the Autonomous Police Committee has officially launched in Daejeon, marking steady progress in preparations for the introduction of the autonomous police system.

On the morning of the 29th, Daejeon City held the launch ceremony of the Autonomous Police Committee at the Daejeon City Hall and began the pilot operation of the autonomous police system.

The Autonomous Police Committee is a collegial administrative body composed of seven members, overseeing autonomous police affairs such as community safety, women and youth, and traffic. To support the committee’s work, an administrative organization consisting of one bureau, two divisions, and five teams staffed by both local government officials and police officers will be established.

Kang Young-wook, the inaugural chairman of the Daejeon Metropolitan Autonomous Police Committee, said, "I feel a heavy responsibility in taking on the first chairman position," adding, "I will devote all my efforts and sincerity to ensure the successful establishment of the Autonomous Police Committee."

The autonomous police system will undergo a pilot operation until June 30 and will enter full operation starting July 1. To improve the quality and satisfaction of policing services, plans include ▲providing regionally tailored policing services ▲activating linkage between local administration and policing administration ▲expanding citizen participation in policing policies ▲strengthening protection for women, children, and youth.

Heo Tae-jung, Mayor of Daejeon Metropolitan City, said, “I am very pleased to be part of this historic moment marking the start of the autonomous police system,” and added, “I ask the Autonomous Police Committee to do their best so that concerns about the newly introduced autonomous police system will turn into expectations and empathy.”

Kim Chang-ryong, Commissioner of the National Police Agency, emphasized, “I deeply appreciate that the Daejeon Autonomous Police Committee was smoothly launched at an early stage through communication and cooperation among various institutions centered on Daejeon City,” and stated, “The National Police Agency will also spare no effort in cooperation and support.”