SOS Public Relief Service expanded nationwide

The government will start expanding a crime prevention system nationwide this September as its pilot program has proved effective in safeguarding vulnerable people such as women and children, officials said Tuesday.

The Ministry of Public Administration and Security and the National Police Agency have jointly test-run the “SOS Public Relief Service” since April. During the four-month trial run, nine arrests and rescues were reported.

The service enables a person to quickly respond to a crime situation without verbal communication by sending information on the situation and location to 112 reporting centers or parents through mobile phones or other communication devices.

With the nationwide expansion, the MPAS hopes to promote the service internationally.

Utilizing smartphones and other mobile communication tools, the service locates the reporter and dispatches police to the scene.

It consists of three types ― “one-touch SOS” for general mobile phones, “112 App” for smart phones, “U-Relief Service” for dedicated terminals. The government plans to supply free U-Relief terminals to children from low income families by December.

By Song Sang-ho (sshluck@heraldcorp.com)