The Korean National Police Agency will expand support for private security personnel to protect high-risk crime victims exposed to threats from offenders.
The Korean National Police Agency noted that on the 9th, it will expand the private security support program, which was in pilot operation for 100 victims in the metropolitan area of Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon, to 350 victims nationwide.
Since June 2023, the police provided close protection for 254 individuals and successfully apprehended 10 offenders who violated restraining orders related to stalking and domestic violence as a result of reports from private security personnel. All victims who received protection were able to avoid additional harm. There was also a case where an offender, who attempted to contact the victim 543 times after the police intervention, was stopped while approaching the victim's workplace by private security personnel and was arrested and detained as a flagrant offender.
The Korean National Police Agency stated that after conducting a satisfaction survey among victims following the conclusion of private security services, all 226 respondents reported being satisfied with the private security support.
The duration of private security support is a maximum of 14 days, which can be extended for one time upon approval from the Korean National Police Agency. A security personnel who has completed prior training by the police agency will be assigned.
Acting Chief of the Korean National Police Agency Lee Ho-young said, "The police will actively utilize private resources to supplement the insufficient police force and ensure the peaceful daily life of high-risk crime victims."