공동체치안 활성화를 위한 입법적 개선방안: 자율방범대법 개정을 중심으로

Abstract

The Volunteer Crime Prevention Corps (Ja-yul Bangbeomdae) is a representative civic-based community policing organization in South Korea, rooted in local volunteerism. With the expansion of the autonomous police system and growing public interest in community safety, the role of such organizations has become increasingly important. This study aims to identify and analyze operational limitations of the Act on the Establishment and Operation of the Volunteer Crime Prevention Corps (the “Ja-yul Bangbeomdae Act”) and propose legislative improvements to enhance its legal clarity, operational autonomy, and sustainability. Through a legal and institutional analysis, this paper identifies three primary challenges: the ambiguous scope of activities, excessive police oversight, and inconsistent financial support dependent on local governments. In response, the study suggests specific legislative amendments, including clearer definitions of activities, restriction of supervisory authority to essential areas such as safety and legal compliance, and the introduction of a standardized local ordinance and mandatory state support. The proposed reforms aim to reposition the Ja-yul Bangbeomdae as an essential partner in community policing and to reinforce its role as a sustainable and autonomous civic organization within the public safety governance framework.