Innovative Use of Hologram Technology in Public Safety
A 3D hologram police guidance system installed at Jeodong 3 Park in Jung-gu, Seoul, has captured the attention of international media. The British public broadcaster BBC highlighted the system on the 10th under the title, “How South Korea is utilizing hologram police to prevent crime.” The system, installed by police in October of last year to deter crimes such as drunk violence and robbery, projects a holographic police officer every 2-minute intervals to issue warnings before disappearing.
The system automatically operates from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily, repeating the message, “Police will respond in real-time during emergencies. CCTV is installed in this area.” The hologram is designed to appear as a real officer, standing at a mid-170 cm height and wearing a uniform. This technology aims to create a sense of presence and deter potential offenders.
Public Reaction and Media Coverage
The BBC report introduced the system’s operation and crime prevention effects through video footage. It also included interviews with citizens who expressed reactions such as, “While it may be less effective than real police, it is expected to have a crime prevention effect” and, “It’s a good device that allows women to walk alone with peace of mind.”
The BBC noted that the area where the hologram police are deployed is densely populated with entertainment facilities and has high concerns about nighttime crime. It evaluated the technology as a realistic alternative for enhancing public safety.
Another notable coverage came from the British daily The Times, which reported on the system on August 31 under the title, “Hologram police officer appears in a Seoul park.” At the time, The Times highlighted that South Korea has one of the lowest homicide rates among OECD member countries and detailed the hologram police’s methods and functions.
Expert Opinions on Effectiveness
Citing local experts, The Times analyzed the hologram police’s effectiveness. Ed Flahavan, head of security and safety at the British behavioral science policy consulting organization “Nudge Unit,” evaluated it as “a very creative way to enhance the ‘presence of police’ even without real officers” and stated, “In behavioral science, the deterrent effect of police depends on making criminals ‘perceive’ a high likelihood of being caught.”
However, Lawrence Sherman, a criminology professor at the University of Cambridge, argued, “Holograms cannot arrest criminals. Since criminals are aware of this, it is unclear whether the long-term deterrent effect will be sustained. The effectiveness may weaken over time.”
Global Attention and Adoption
Other media outlets, including Germany’s DW, Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post (SCMP), and Taiwan’s Taiwan Plus, also posted related videos, focusing on South Korea’s unique adoption of crime prevention technology.
According to the Seoul Jungbu Police Station, the crime rate decreased by approximately 22% after the hologram police system was installed. This result was derived from an analysis comparing crime figures over 8 months until last May with the same period the previous year.
Future Plans and Impact
Jungbu Police Station Chief Ahn Dong-hyeon stated, “The hologram guidance system is becoming a smart public safety device that enhances citizens’ perceived safety and provides psychological prevention effects against disorderly conduct” and added, “We will expand AI-based crime prevention activities to create a park environment where citizens can feel secure.”
This innovative approach not only showcases South Korea’s commitment to leveraging technology for public safety but also sets a precedent for other cities looking to adopt similar solutions. The use of holograms in policing represents a blend of advanced technology and practical application, offering a new dimension to community safety efforts.