NCJ Number
77757
Date Published
1978
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This paper describes the recruitment and training of the Japanese police, their morale, and problems that confront them.
Abstract
Both recruitment and training for Japanese police are standardized throughout Japan. College graduates, who are joining the police force in increasing numbers, are recruited as Assistant Inspectors. All others begin as patrolmen in of the 48 prefectural police forces. All applicants must pass physical, intellectual, and vocational-psychological aptitude tests. In face of the increasing numbers of college graduates entering the force, some favorable treatment is accorded them over high school graduates. Training continues throughout the entire career of officers. New recruits attend and live in a prefectural police school for 1 year (6 months for college graduates and women). Special training courses are offered and are required for each level of promotion. The strictly moral Japanese code extends to police conduct. Both officers involved in misconduct and their superiors are punished for infractions. Senior officers are required to supervise their subordinates both in their conduct of police work and in their personal conduct. The morale of the Japanese police is high. Good service is frequently honored by both commendations and by monetary gifts. Those killed or wounded in the course of their duties are specially honored. Some changes in police recruitment and training have been instituted because of a recent case where a Tokyo policemen was arrested and convicted of attempted rape and murder. No references are included.