Electric Patrol Cars and Smart Pistols... Advanced Security Equipment in One Place

'International Security Industry Expo' from 20th to 22nd
First showcase of rifles, precision shooting, drones
Training equipment using VR and XR also featured

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Environmentally friendly hydrogen and electric patrol cars, ‘smart firearms’ with significantly reduced lethality, and technology that can precisely locate the position of a person requesting rescue?these cutting-edge domestic public safety equipment recognized worldwide are coming.

At the 3rd “International Public Safety Industry Expo,” jointly hosted by the National Police Agency and Incheon City from the 20th to the 22nd of this month at Songdo Convensia in Incheon, smart public safety technologies combining the police’s accumulated know-how and technology will be showcased in large numbers. Unlike last year’s online-only event, this year’s expo will be held both online and offline, allowing visitors to directly experience various public safety equipment.

Hyundai Motor Company's eco-friendly patrol car. [Photo by National Police Agency]

The expo consists of seven exhibition halls: police mobility equipment and drones, police ICT, police personal equipment, crime investigation and forensic equipment, crime prevention equipment and systems, traffic equipment and systems, and a special pavilion (advanced technology pavilion for protecting socially vulnerable groups). The police mobility equipment and drone pavilion will feature next-generation equipment suited for the 4th Industrial Revolution era. Hyundai Motor Company will showcase electric patrol cars (Ioniq 5), hydrogen electric patrol cars (Nexo), and hydrogen electric buses (Universe). By integrating hydrogen and electric vehicles into police mobility equipment such as patrol cars, maintenance costs can be reduced while protecting the environment. There will also be an experience zone where visitors can ride these vehicles. UMECAIR will present special-purpose drones that can be used for surveillance or facility inspection, along with a ‘rifle-aiming drone.’ The rifle-aiming drone, still reportedly under development, is expected to be useful in counterterrorism activities and other operations.

Among police personal equipment, the ‘low-lethality smart alternative firearm’ that can subdue suspects while minimizing human casualties draws attention. Development of this alternative firearm began in 2016. It is 25% lighter (512g) than the previously used 38 revolver (680g), making it more convenient to carry, and it can also use low-lethality plastic bullets, reducing the burden of firearm use. The plastic bullets have about one-tenth the physical force of regular bullets but are judged to be sufficient for subduing suspects.

Non-lethal smart pistol. [Photo by National Police Agency]

The ‘precise location measurement technology for the phone of a person requesting rescue’ is expected to help quickly identify the rescuer’s location and facilitate faster rescue. Additionally, the expo will display police training systems utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and extended reality (XR), efficient yet low-lethality electric shock multi-stage batons, and various forensic equipment necessary for criminal investigations.

This expo will host 150 companies with 420 booths. Along with a public export consultation meeting with overseas police, a private export consultation meeting organized by KOTRA will also be held, seeking opportunities for domestic public safety companies to expand overseas.