Seoul Police Station Pioneers Proactive Crime Prevention, Bridging Welfare Gaps
Seoul’s Gwanak Police Station is redefining public safety through a community-centered approach, dramatically reducing crime rates and bolstering support for vulnerable populations.
South Korea grapples with a significant volume of criminal cases – 1.19 million arrests were made in 2023 alone. But in Seoul’s Gwanak district, a new model of policing is emerging, one that prioritizes prevention, collaboration, and a deep understanding of local needs. Spearheaded by veteran law enforcement officials, this approach is yielding remarkable results.
From Reactive Policing to Proactive Support
Traditionally, police work has focused on responding to incidents after they occur. Gwanak Police Station is shifting that paradigm. The station has identified 21 households facing critical welfare gaps this year, connecting them with essential resources through partnerships with district offices. This proactive strategy is largely thanks to the leadership of Shin Dong-wook, head of the Crime Prevention and Response Department.
“Until now, even if local police found residents with difficult family circumstances or mental illness, they had difficulties because the support process was complicated,” explained Shin. “This year, we are working with local organizations to simplify the process and provide connected support.”
This collaborative spirit is formalized through a “business agreement for identification and support of households at risk,” signed in February with seven organizations, including the district office and fire department. The system ensures swift notification of crises to the district office, followed by coordinated support from welfare centers and feedback shared with the police.
Real-Life Impact: Stories of Intervention
The impact of this new approach is visible in individual stories. One case involved a man, identified as Mr. A, contemplating suicide from a high-rise building due to a severe gambling addiction and social isolation. Following his rescue by the Dangok District Police, he received counseling, gambling addiction treatment, and emergency financial assistance through a collaborative effort between the police and the district office.
Another instance involved Mr. B, caring for a brother with mental illness and an elderly mother with dementia. After repeated reports of concerning behavior, the Nakseongdae District Police intervened, recognizing the family’s urgent need for financial and care support. Weeks of coordination between the police and district office resulted in financial aid, treatment for the brother, and care services for the mother.
Award-Winning Innovation and Community Engagement
Gwanak Station’s dedication to proactive policing has earned it the title of “Best Public School” in the ‘National Police Agency Crime Prevention Contest’ for two consecutive years – a first for a Seoul police station. This success is rooted in “region-specific, problem-oriented police activities,” where officers directly engage with residents during patrols to identify and address local concerns.
“We are not limited to processing reports or arresting criminals, but are solving local problems by communicating with residents,” Shin emphasized.
The station meticulously analyzes population distribution within the district to tailor security policies to each region’s unique characteristics. This extends to targeted training programs: theft prevention workshops at all 59 senior centers, addressing the prevalence of “negligent theft” among the elderly; education on gambling and deepfakes for middle and high school students; relationship violence prevention for college students; and heat-related illness awareness for construction workers during the summer months.
Embracing Technology for Enhanced Safety
Gwanak Station is also leveraging technology to enhance its crime prevention efforts. In June of last year, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency initiated drone patrols in the area, and Gwanak Station now operates two drones of its own, deployed since May of this year.
Measurable Results and a Vision for the Future
These combined efforts have yielded significant results. The number of incidents involving five major crimes – murder, robbery, theft, sexual violence, and violence – decreased by 11.1% compared to the previous year. Furthermore, Gwanak Station’s score in the life safety category of the ‘2025 Social Safety Index’ (a joint survey by Money Today and Case Stats) rose by approximately 5%, climbing from 22nd to 16th place among Seoul’s 25 districts.
Shin Dong-wook, a “crime prevention expert” with over two decades of experience, attributes this success to a fundamental principle: “interest.” “The public officials closest to the citizens are police officers,” he stated. “I am most proud and grateful when I see local police officers frequently meeting residents, greeting children on their way to and from school, and being close to them.”
Shin concluded, “I feel rewarded by creating an environment where residents can live with peace of mind,” adding, “We will continue to think about it and do our best to protect local safety.”
