In a groundbreaking initiative, the police in Seoul, South Korea, have successfully implemented a holographic officer to reduce crime in the city’s Jung district. This innovative approach has reportedly led to a 22% drop in crime rates since its introduction in October 2024.
Holographic Technology Takes Center Stage
The holographic officer was deployed in Jeo-dong Park, an area notorious for criminal activity associated with nearby bars. Operating nightly between 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., the hologram, dressed in a year-round police uniform, issues warnings to pedestrians. It informs them of the ongoing CCTV surveillance and assures that police will be dispatched if necessary.
According to the South China Morning Post, police officials noted that the mere perception of police presence has had a significant deterrent effect. They stated, “Although it is clear upon closer inspection that the person isn’t real, the mere perception of police presence has had a significant deterrent effect.” This psychological impact appears to have contributed to the decline in crime, particularly impulsive offenses often instigated by intoxicated individuals.
Measuring Success and Future Plans
The effectiveness of the holographic officer was evaluated by comparing crime statistics from October 2024 to May 2025 with those from the previous year. The data indicated a substantial reduction in crime, although it remains uncertain whether this is primarily due to the novelty of the technology or the hologram’s realistic appearance, which may influence individuals under the influence of alcohol.
Officials have expressed interest in extending this initiative beyond Jeo-dong Park, considering its potential effectiveness across other districts in Seoul. The technology was developed by Hologrammica, a South Korean tech company, which utilizes a projector attached to a nearby pole. This projector displays the image of a police officer onto a 5-foot-7-inch transparent acrylic silhouette, creating a convincing visual that captures attention.
As South Korea continues to push the boundaries of technological innovation, with projects such as a hydrogen-powered next-generation stealth tank, the integration of holographic policing represents a novel intersection of technology and public safety. The success of this experiment could pave the way for similar initiatives in urban areas around the world, showcasing how technology can play a vital role in crime prevention.