Incheon Police Launch Special Security Measures at Public-Use Facilities Following Knife Rampage in Guwol-dong

【Financial News, Incheon = Reporter Han Gap-su】 Incheon police have launched a special security operation in response to a knife rampage at a large shopping complex in Guwol-dong recently, aiming to ease public anxiety and prevent similar crimes.
The Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency said on the 15th that it would step up patrols and on-site responses at high-traffic facilities, including large supermarkets, department stores and subway stations.
Police formed a dedicated task force led by the head of the Life Safety Division, with the Crime Prevention, Criminal Investigation, 112, Security, Women and Juveniles, and Cyber Investigation units taking part. They plan to coordinate relevant functions, from crime prevention and on-site response to investigations and victim protection.
As a first step, police will analyze crime statistics and 112 reports to identify priority areas for monitoring, then deploy available personnel, including local police, mobile units, the Metropolitan Preventive Patrol Unit and detectives. Patrols will be expanded beyond the facilities themselves to surrounding areas, with fixed-post assignments combined with foot and vehicle patrols. Police will conduct joint patrols with partner groups such as volunteer crime-prevention organizations and strengthen cooperation with facility managers and private security firms.
Police will review their response system to ensure that, when a report involving someone carrying a weapon is received, the patrol car nearest the scene is dispatched first, regardless of jurisdiction or the unit responsible. Interviews with facility representatives and on-site inspections will help identify risk factors, and any necessary improvements will be made in consultation with relevant agencies.
Police will also step up monitoring and investigations of online posts threatening murder or knife attacks. Victims and their families will be offered protective measures, including psychological counseling through specialist organizations and assistance with treatment costs.
The Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency will review progress at each police station and flexibly deploy police resources according to local public-safety needs.
Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency Chief Yu Seung-ryeol said, “We will strengthen preventive patrols and on-site responses at facilities used by large numbers of people, and respond swiftly and firmly to dangerous situations, including weapon possession, to protect public safety.”
[email protected] Han Gap-su Reporter