The police will begin patrolling the Yeouido area of Seoul using advanced equipment such as wearable robots and drones.
On May 11, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced that it has been conducting a pilot operation of the "K-Smart Patrol" in the Yeouido area of Seoul since May 9, and will continue until June 30.
For this patrol, about 30 officers from four mobile patrol teams will be deployed in densely populated areas, including Yeouido Hangang Park, Saetgang Park, a large shopping mall, and Yeouido Station, from noon to 10 p.m. on weekends and public holidays.
On the ground, wearable robots and electric bicycles will be used for patrolling activities. The wearable robots support lower body strength and can reduce the effective weight of a 20kg backpack by 8kg when walking on flat ground. When two foot patrol teams wear these robots, it is expected to reduce physical fatigue from long patrols and thereby enhance crime prevention. In park areas where vehicle access is difficult, patrols will continue using electric bicycles.
In the air, drones equipped with thermal imaging detection will be deployed. These drones will patrol blind spots such as bushes in Hangang Park from above, while a drone control vehicle stationed on-site will analyze real-time footage and respond to dangerous situations as needed.
Additionally, the Han River Police Unit will continue day and night patrols on the river using patrol boats, and inside the large shopping mall, the Subway Police Unit and Mobile Patrol Unit will conduct joint patrols.
A police official stated, "This pilot patrol is the first step in implementing scientific policing in downtown Seoul by integrating advanced technology, and it will help make Yeouido a safer and more enjoyable place for everyone."
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