Easing Parental Anxiety and Strengthening Community Cooperation
Focusing on Tangible, On-Site Safety
The Daegu Police Agency has launched a comprehensive initiative to ensure the safety of elementary school students on their way to and from school, in response to a recent series of abduction and luring incidents involving minors across the country.
On the afternoon of September 15, the police conducted a joint inspection near Seongdong Elementary School in Hwanggeum-dong, Suseong-gu, together with about 40 participants, including school staff and child safety guardians.
The inspection focused on several areas: school entrances, security facilities such as CCTV and mirrors, traffic safety installations, and the presence of harmful environments nearby. The team paid special attention to identifying vulnerabilities around the school.
◆ Three Weeks of Intensive Patrols... Strengthening Tangible On-Site Safety
Until October 2, the Daegu police will mobilize all available personnel-including local officers, mobile patrol units, school police officers (SPOs), and traffic police-to patrol key school routes during commuting hours over a three-week period.
A police official stated, "If we spot suspicious individuals loitering near children or carrying dangerous items, we will promptly conduct checks to minimize safety blind spots."
In addition, the Crime Prevention Officer (CPO) team will conduct detailed assessments of crime risk factors at each school to promote facility improvements. The police also plan to strengthen video surveillance patrols at CCTV control centers in cooperation with local governments.
◆ Parents: "Visible Patrols Bring Peace of Mind"
A parent with a child attending Seongdong Elementary School commented, "I have been anxious because the media keeps reporting on child abduction cases, but knowing that the police are focusing on school routes is a great relief. I hope these efforts will continue and not just be a one-time measure."
A volunteer serving as a child safety guardian added, "When children see police officers and adults protecting them, they learn safe behaviors themselves. It is important for local residents to join in these efforts," the volunteer emphasized.
Daegu Police Agency Launches Comprehensive Safety Network for Elementary Students' Commute Children are smiling brightly.
◆ Expert: "Safety on School Routes Must Be Combined with Preventive Education"
Professor Lee from the Department of Social Welfare at Daegu University, an expert in child psychology, noted, "Strengthening police patrols is effective for alleviating short-term anxiety, but in the long run, preventive education that enables children to be wary of strangers and respond to dangerous situations must be provided as well. Schools, families, and the community need to work together to foster a culture of safety."
According to data from the National Police Agency, there have been around 800 cases of sex crimes and luring incidents involving minors nationwide each year over the past three years. In particular, attempts targeting lower-grade elementary students are on the rise. In response, the police are actively promoting the use of Child Safety Guardian Houses (over 12,000 nationwide) and the pre-registration system for missing children.
◆ Police: "Creating Safe School Routes Together with the Community"
Lee Seunghyeop, Commissioner of the Daegu Police Agency, stated, "Ensuring the safety of children's school routes is the police's top priority. We will create an environment where children can travel safely by establishing a cooperative system involving schools, the education office, parents, and the entire community."
This latest initiative by the Daegu Police Agency is not just about expanding patrols; it emphasizes strengthening the social safety net for children in partnership with the community. If these measures are institutionalized and combined with ongoing preventive education, this could mark a turning point-opening the way for children to go to school with a smile.
Alleviating Parents' Anxiety and Strengthening Community Cooperation... Focus on Tangible Public Safety
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