Since the relaxation of a curfew last August, more GIs are acting (very) badly, it appears:
There has been a steady rise in sexual assaults and other crimes committed by U.S. soldiers here since last August when a relaxed curfew was put in effect, the top U.S. military commander in South Korea has warned.
In a “Sharp Point” message posted April 1 on the command’s Web site, USFK Commander Gen. Walter L. Sharp said the number of “sexual assaults, aggravated assaults, assaults and disorderly conduct” had increased over the last six months since the curfew was shortened by two hours beginning Aug. 15.
He cited a six-month review of the policy’s impact on troop behavior.
Under the current curfew, soldiers are required to be on post from 3 a.m. to 5 a.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and U.S.-observed holidays. The previous weekend curfew was 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.
Maybe GI Korea can give us some of the actual stats — I’m curious to see what they are.
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There has been an increase in GI crime when 2007 and 2008 are compared:
http://tinyurl.com/d5jr8h
The increase is due to more GI’s driving because of the new driving policy and an increase in minor criminal incidents which would seem logical since servicemembers have more time to get in trouble at night now. However, what Korea classifies as its five major crimes there has actually been a decrease in GI crimes.
So it is a mixed bag but overall the crime rate remains well below the general population in Korea.
I do still need to total up on what the crime rate is since the curfew was eased last August.
However here is what I think should be done:
http://tinyurl.com/ccknmx
GI Korea, thanks for providing an informative assessment of USFK personnel-related crimes. It’s heartening to know that, even though the local media essentially lies by omission or selectively chooses to distort the truth, the data exists to dispel those mischaracterizations.
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