Seoul Deploys Over 1,400 Human-Pet Dog Patrol Teams to Boost Neighborhood Safety

The Seoul city government has launched an innovative civil patrol program that deploys 1,424 human-pet dog teams to enhance neighborhood safety and prevent crimes across the capital. The program, which began in 2022 with just 64 teams, has seen significant growth this year, expanding to 1,424 teams.

In 2022, the 1,011 teams participating in the program filed 331 police reports and 2,263 safety or inconvenience risk reports during their 48,431 patrol walks. The city is now shifting to ongoing recruitment and aims to have up to 2,000 teams actively patrolling neighborhoods.

The program leverages Seoul's growing population of pet owners to help prevent crimes and address safety risks in communities across the city. By partnering responsible pet owners with their dogs, the city is creating a network of vigilant citizens who can serve as extra eyes and ears on the streets.

Why this matters: The human-pet dog patrol program represents an innovative approach to community policing that engages citizens and their pets in maintaining public safety. As cities around the world seek new ways to prevent crime and enhance neighborhood security, Seoul's initiative offers a promising model for leveraging the companionship and alertness of pet dogs to create safer urban environments.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government's efforts to utilize pet dogs in neighborhood patrols highlight the city's commitment to finding creative solutions to public safety challenges. By empowering pet owners to take an active role in their communities, the program fosters a sense of shared responsibility and strengthens the bond between residents and local authorities.

As the human-pet dog patrol program continues to expand, Seoul residents can expect to see more teams of dedicated citizens and their furry companions working together to keep their neighborhoods safe and secure. With 1,424 teams already on the streets and plans to recruit even more, the city is well on its way to creating a safer environment for all its residents.

Key Takeaways

• Seoul launched a human-pet dog patrol program with 1,424 teams in 2022.
• The program aims to enhance neighborhood safety and prevent crimes in the city.
• In 2022, the 1,011 teams filed 331 police reports and 2,263 safety reports.
• The city plans to expand the program to up to 2,000 active patrol teams.
• The program engages citizens and their pets to create safer urban environments.