Recruiting 'Seoul Companion Dog Patrol' to Protect Our Neighborhood While Walking

Seoul Metropolitan Autonomous Police Committee Selects 50 Teams

The Seoul Metropolitan Autonomous Police Committee announced on the 26th that it will expand the ‘Seoul Companion Dog Patrol’ to 25 autonomous districts in Seoul and recruit participants through its website until the 19th of next month. This recruitment plans to select about 50 teams per autonomous district.

The Seoul Companion Dog Patrol is a community participation security program that combines routine companion dog walking activities with neighborhood crime prevention efforts. Once selected as a companion dog patrol team, the dog and its owner form a team to walk around the neighborhood, observe and report crime risks and daily hazards, serving as local safety guardians.

The Seoul Metropolitan Autonomous Police Committee provides various training to strengthen the capabilities of the ‘Seoul Companion Dog Patrol,’ including understanding the autonomous police system, crime prevention (such as Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design and school violence prevention), disaster safety, and specialized training on dog behavior to prevent safety accidents that may occur during patrol activities.

Applications can be made through the Companion Dog Patrol website. Final teams will be selected through a two-stage process: a first round of document screening based on motivation and other criteria, followed by a second round of practical evaluation including the dog’s social skills and walking with the owner.

Kim Hak-bae, Chairman of the Seoul Metropolitan Autonomous Police Committee, stated, “Crime prevention and safety in local communities can be achieved through the interest and participation of residents.” He added, “We urge citizens, who are the main actors in local security activities, to actively participate.”