Electronic Ankle Monitor Applications Spike 52 in March to 68 Total

Applications for electronic ankle monitors for stalking crime suspects have surged following the 'Namyangju stalking murder' case, with 52 cases increasing in March alone, bringing the total to 68. This sharp rise in applications is a result of intensified public criticism over the police's inadequate response after the 'Namyangju stalking murder' case occurred last month.

Under the Stalking Punishment Act, provisional measures range from No. 1 (written warning) to No. 4 (detention in a lock-up) based on the level of risk. Since 2024, a legal amendment added No. 3-2 (electronic ankle monitor attachment). According to the Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency's Women's Safety Division, applications for provisional measure No. 3-2 related to stalking cases numbered 16 by February this year, but increased by 52 in March, totaling 68 cases. In the first year of the amended law's implementation, Gyeonggi Nambu police filed 50 cases for No. 3-2 in 2024, which increased to 101 cases last year, and recorded 68 cases in the first three months of this year.

For high-risk domestic violence cases, police prioritize the suspect's arrest. If arrest is difficult, they actively apply for provisional measure No. 3-2. The risk level is assessed and assigned based on the case details. The court approval rate for police applications for No. 3-2 was 46% in 2024, 23% last year, and is currently around 49%.

There have been a total of 5 violations of provisional measure No. 3-2 in the past three years. A police official explained that attaching an electronic ankle monitor serves as a strong warning to stalking suspects and is highly effective in preemptively blocking the possibility of escalation to violent crimes.

Police, prosecutors, and courts have collaborated by analyzing and sharing cases of approval and rejection for provisional measure No. 3-2.