Structural Limitations and Improvement Directions of the Crime-Related Regional Safety Index in Korea

In modern society, safety is recognized as a key factor determining the quality of life for citizens, leading national and local governments to use various indicators to assess it. Among these, the Regional Safety Index(RSI) functions as a representative comparative evaluation tool, but its relative evaluation system has raised concerns, as it can stigmatize lower-rated regions and foster policy distrust—even in cases where actual improvements have been made. This study critically examines the structure and limitations of the RSI in the crime domain by analyzing changes in its measurement indicators and assessment methods. Focusing on the four sub-indices—risk, vulnerability, mitigation, and awareness—it investigates how the content, weightings, and policy linkages of these indicators have evolved. The findings reveal that the current index structure remains heavily reliant on a limited set of quantitative metrics, often failing to reflect the actual crime prevention capacities of local governments or the public's perceived safety. Based on these findings, this study argues for a redesign of the RSI to more accurately capture local crime realities and efforts. In particular, it emphasizes the need for transitioning to an absolute evaluation system and developing a more flexible, context-sensitive framework that accounts for regional characteristics. Such a shift is essential if the RSI is to serve as a truly effective policy design instrument rather than a mere ranking mechanism.