The app, tentatively called ‘Subway Safety Keeper,’ automatically reports citizens’ complaints to the closest subway call center, subway security guards and police with information on the train and car number of citizens filing complaints. (image: Kobiz Media / Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, Jan. 4 (Korea Bizwire) – An application that enables users to report crimes on subways fast and effectively will soon be released, according to an announcement from Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) on December 30.
The app, tentatively called ‘Subway Safety Keeper,’ automatically reports citizens’ complaints to the closest subway call center, subway security guards and police with information on the train and car number of citizens filing complaints. Currently, it takes about 20 to 30 minutes for call centers to report complaints to security guards and police.
City officials said that the app would help catch offenders in the act, as the app enables citizens to report crimes by simply touching a button in the application when they have difficulty reporting complaints verbally or in detail. You can also file a report by taking pictures using the app.
The app launched on January 1 for subway lines 1 to 4, where crimes are reported most frequently. Coverage will be extended to lines 5 through 8 from March.
Another one-click crime reporting app will also be released by SMG. Citizens will be able to report crimes anonymously by sending pictures, video clips and black box recordings through the app, ‘Looking for Eyewitnesses.’ The app does not require users to sign up, and can be used while minimizing the release of personal information. The app began test operations on January 1, according to an announcement from the National Police Agency on December 29.
SMG will also work to provide incentives to report crimes through the app.
‘Looking for Eyewitnesses’ is an example of a materialization of ideas brought forward by citizens working for ‘Government 3.0 Citizen Policy Designers,’ a governmental movement that enables citizens to design policies of their own.
By J.W. Choi (summerchoi@koreabizwire.com)
