Essential Disaster Management Training for Police: How to Ensure Safety at Spring Festivals

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[iNews24 Reporter Lee Yoon] On April 1, the Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency held a capacity-building training session at the agency’s Eoullim Hall for 83 managers and staff responsible for disaster response and mass gatherings from 32 police stations across its jurisdiction.

The training sought to strengthen field response capabilities and professional expertise in accordance with South Korea’s Disaster and Safety Management Basic Act, which mandates specialized training for disaster‑safety personnel.

In the first session, Commissioner Hwang Chang-seon delivered a keynote lecture. With spring local festivals on the rise, he urged stronger interagency coordination, strict adherence to pre-event safety procedures, active crowd-density management, and the establishment of a tiered response system.

He also stressed the importance of on-site measures during fires and storm- and flood-related incidents, including using protective equipment, controlling site access and traffic, and assisting with resident evacuations.

In the second session, experts from South Korea’s National Police Agency, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and academia led practical training focused on understanding the Disaster and Safety Management Basic Act, safety management for mass gatherings, disaster response frameworks, and the police’s role.

Commissioner Hwang warned that small risks in crowded settings can quickly escalate into major accidents. He urged officials to continuously review and strengthen on-the-ground response systems through hands-on training and closer interagency cooperation to safeguard residents.