Do not go gentle into that good night, old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light, though wise men at their end know dark is right, because their words had forked no lightning they, do not go gentle into that good night.
Seoul recruits volunteer dog patrol teams to monitor safety in residential areas
Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Autonomous Police Commission pet dog patrols walk with their furry companions around the Gangnam District Office in Seoul, June 22, 2024. Yonhap
By Jhoo Dong-chan
The Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Autonomous Police Commission is recruiting new members for its volunteer “pet dog patrol” program, which pairs routine dog walks with neighborhood safety monitoring.
Applications are open through May 20 to dog owners residing in Seoul, with selected teams to serve from June through December after completing required training. Returning teams from last year — 1,109 in total — began patrol activities on April 20.
Launched in 2022 with 64 teams, the program has expanded significantly. By 2025, 1,529 teams conducted 83,345 patrols across the city. During those patrols, participants filed 153 emergency reports to police, including cases involving intoxicated individuals and minor traffic incidents, and submitted 1,703 civic complaints through the city’s 120 hotline, such as reports of broken streetlights and damaged sidewalks.
Applicants can register through the commission’s website. The selection process consists of two stages. The first is a document screening that reviews applicants’ motivation and whether their pets are officially registered. The second is an on-site evaluation, where shortlisted teams are assessed on their ability to walk under owner control, respond to commands such as “sit” and “stay,” and maintain stable behavior when exposed to external stimuli, including strangers and larger dogs.
On-site evaluations are scheduled for May 23 and 24 at Dream Forest in northern Seoul and Yeouido Han River Park.
Selected participants will undergo training covering the autonomous police system, patrol guidelines and etiquette, and response protocols for various situations. They will also receive specialized instruction on canine behavior to prevent safety incidents during patrols. Patrol teams will be provided with equipment, and outstanding performers may receive official commendations.
The commission said it plans to strengthen the program’s effectiveness by continuing joint patrol campaigns with local police stations, deploying professional dog trainers during patrols, and requiring participants to complete online training prior to deployment.
This article was published with the assistance of generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.