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| Special Forces take part in an anti-terrorism exercise at the Olympic Stadium on Dec. 12. The drill was part of security preparations for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics in February. / Korea Times photo by Kim Joo-young |
By Chyung Eun-ju
A joint quick response team was launched to prevent crimes by foreigners in areas near PyeongChang Winter Olympics venues, the National Police Agency and Ministry of Justice said Wednesday.
The team of 20 police officers fluent in several languages and immigration officials will patrol seven areas, including Olympic Plaza and Gyeongpodae Pavilion in Gangneung.
They will use special equipment to identify suspects immediately.
A hotline also will be available for public reports on foreign criminals or terrorists.
"We have high hopes about this quick response team that will preemptively respond to crimes," a police spokesperson said. "We will put in a lot of effort for a safe and secure Olympic Games by stopping threatening factors in advance through stronger cooperation."
The government on Tuesday deported 17 foreigners it deemed a threat to the Games.
