Positive Effects Confirmed Through Pilot Operation in Gangdong-gu
Walking Around the Neighborhood with Pets to Identify Crime and Safety Hazards, Reporting to 112 and 120
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The Seoul Metropolitan Autonomous Police Committee announced on the 28th that it plans to expand the operation of the 'Seoul Companion Dog Patrol' to five autonomous districts. The expansion will be gradually implemented from July to December by selecting five autonomous districts by region. Autonomous districts wishing to be selected can apply through the Seoul Metropolitan Autonomous Police Committee, and the selection will be made by evaluating the security conditions and operational suitability of the districts.
The Seoul Companion Dog Patrol will begin recruiting in July, starting with a patrol team of about 50 people in one autonomous district, and by August, it plans to operate patrol teams of about 250 people across five autonomous districts. Applications will be selected through a two-step process including a first document screening and a second practical evaluation.
For the selected patrol teams, various regular training sessions will be provided, including information related to crime prevention and daily safety, companion dog behavior education to prevent safety accidents, and crime prevention classes to strengthen patrol team capabilities. Among applicants who fail the selection process, those who have adopted abandoned dogs will be offered training courses upon request, and after completing the course, they will be able to participate as patrol members through the establishment and operation of the 'Seoul Companion Dog Patrol School.'
The operation period of the Seoul Companion Dog Patrol is until December this year. After the period ends, the effectiveness of the operation will be analyzed for citizens and actively reflected in future operation plans. In 2023, the 'Seoul Companion Dog Patrol' plans to expand to more regions.
Meanwhile, Seoul City operates specialized programs by autonomous district that can accompany socially vulnerable groups, such as △walking companionship for elderly living alone △safe walking routes for children going to and from school △walking companionship for at-risk youth.
Kim Hak-bae, Chairman of the Autonomous Police Committee, said, “This expansion operation has been recognized for its effectiveness in improving local security culture, as the companion dog patrol activities increased residents' interest and participation in crime prevention and local safety through the pilot operation in Gangdong-gu.” He added, “We expect to provide security services where citizens participate as the main agents of security and to play a leading role in establishing a proper companion dog culture.”
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