Busan Gijang-gun and Gijang Police Station Collaborate to Build a 'Dense Life Safety Net'

'Life Keeper Training' Conducted for 40 Police Officers
at Gijang Police Station on the 21st

On the 21st, Busan's Gijang-gun conducted a 'Life Keeper Training' for local police officers at the Gijang Police Station.

Gijang-gun Mental Health Welfare Center is conducting life keeper training for 40 police officers from Gijang Police Station. Photo by Gijang-gun

'Life Keeper' refers to a person who has completed suicide prevention training certified by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and plays a role in identifying individuals at high risk of suicide and connecting them to specialized institutions.

This training was organized to enable police officers to perform the role of 'Life Keeper' by early detecting residents at risk of suicide and responding appropriately while carrying out their duties in the field.

The training was conducted under the supervision of the Gijang-gun Mental Health Welfare Center, with 40 police officers from the Gijang Police Station participating. It utilized the Korean standard suicide prevention education program, "See, Hear, Speak (Middle-aged Edition)," covering ▲ how to recognize suicide risk signals ▲ how to respond when risk signals are detected ▲ guidance on the suicide prevention counseling hotline 109 ▲ and activities related to the Life Respect Pledge.

The county plans to continuously share basic knowledge for suicide prevention and practical response methods applicable in the field with the Gijang-gun Mental Health Welfare Center, Gijang Police Station, and other related organizations to build a more robust community safety net.

Jeong Jong-bok, the county governor, stated, "We will strengthen the community safety net through organic cooperation not only with the Gijang Police Station but also with related organizations and groups within the region. Additionally, we will pursue various measures to promote suicide prevention and a culture of respect for life within the community."

Following the amendment of Article 17 of the Suicide Prevention Act on July 12, 2024, suicide prevention education has become mandatory for national institutions, local governments, public institutions designated by presidential decree, elderly welfare facilities, social welfare facilities, schools, and other institutions or organizations designated by presidential decree. Institutions wishing to participate in the training can apply through the Gijang-gun Mental Health Welfare Center website or by phone.