A Study on the Policy Response of Child Abduction Crimes

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the causes of recent child kidnapping and kidnapping incidents in Korean society, and to suggest prevention and countermeasures. Method: This study is a practical study that combines a criminal psychological perspective and legal and policy analysis, and can be used as a reference for establishing child protection policies at the national level in the future. Results: As a result of the study, the main causes of kidnapping were social structural factors (double punish-ment, increase of single parents), criminal motives for sexual purposes, lack of legal punishment, and limitations of preventive education. Accordingly, this paper intends to propose policy alternatives such as strengthening the response system of police and prosecutors, making CCTV mandatory in child protection zones, expanding ele-mentary school safety bells, practical education for parents, and establishing a digital grooming crime response system. Conclusion: After the crime occurs, it is necessary to shift away from the center of punishment and to a policy focused on prevention. Practical education for children, improvement of parents' awareness, and establishment of community networks are suggested as the most effective strategies. In conclusion, the prevention of child abduction cannot be completed only by the response of the police and prosecution, and it is essential to establish a cooperative system between families, schools, local governments, governments, and international organiza-tions. It should be borne in mind that 'abandoned crime is a crime in which society tests the weakest existence', and a sense of social responsibility for child safety should spread throughout the community. Through the con-clusion that 'the motive of the kidnapper cannot be suppressed only by strengthening punishment, and real pre-vention is possible only when the victim's recovery and community trust are restored.' It is necessary to deepen future studies in the direction of verifying the efficiency of big data-based crime prediction models and artificial intelligence surveillance systems, and promoting a balance between legal punishment and prevention policies.