Law Enforcers in Japan

[Eve]

I got a couple of questions on cops.

Are they as well equipped as the police officers here in North America?

What kind of requirements (as in physical appearance, race requirement and education from high school and college) are needed to qualify as an officer?

What kind of training do they go through?

Are there any "not born from Japan" people work as cops? Sorry, I don't know how to put this without making it sounds kinda racist. What I meant was let's say "whites" who lived in Japan as a PR and becoming police officers. Sorry, I don't know how the system works there. :sorry:

[Mike Cash]

First off, citizenship is a requirement. Other pertinent information can be gleaned from:
http://www.keishicho.metro.tokyo.jp/saiyou/keisatsu/keisatu.htm

[GaijinPunch]

Are they as well equipped as the police officers here in North America?

In a word -- no. They are possibly the perfect opposite of police officers in the states.

[-Rudel-]

I know they need to be black belt in karate, if I remember correctly.

[Eve]

^really?

Thanks for the link, Mike

In a word -- no. They are possibly the perfect opposite of police officers in the states.

Worst than the cops in China?

[Mike Cash]

In a word -- no. They are possibly the perfect opposite of police officers in the states.

Please elaborate.

[duff_o_josh]

gord ran into the cops twice in japan. in general they are so nice but cops in north america are d*cks(no offense to any officers on the board)

[Shibuyaexpat]

gord ran into the cops twice in japan. in general they are so nice but cops in north america are dicks(no offense to any officers on the board)i don't know about that. i've had many run-ins with cops in NA, whom i've found to be very cool. I guess it's how you handle the situation. as for japanese cops, thankfully, my only exposure to them has been to ask for directions.

[Iron Chef]

"...in general they are so nice but cops in north america are d*cks(no offense to any officers on the board)"

How exactly does one not take offense to that? Let's judge/label ALL cops as such because we may have had a few bad experiences in the past... The most underappreciated job in the world. Except when you need their help of course and there's no one else to turn to...

[Mike Cash]

Agreed.

I'm still waiting for elaboration on how they're almost the exact opposite of cops in the U.S.

[Duo]

Maybe he means that like in Japan cops are not like the "get on the ground, hands where i can see them" type since there isn't the same threats of guns being around so much. I heard and read that japanese cops are quite annoying sometimes, especially with foreigners, accusing them of stealing bikes and in one article it was said the local cop is pretty much useless. Don't how true, maybe you guys living there could elaborate a bit

[Eve]

Gaijinpunch was quoting me cause I asked him how well they are equipped. The way he replied isn't supposed to mean attidude wise but equipment wise.

[duff_o_josh]

come on now, its just a basic statement. im lazy and stereotypes save time. we all know that they are good people doing a great job. it just seems that attitudes are different. ofcourse my run ins with cops are only here in nara for japanese officers and in north america canadian cops and american highway patrol in the state of california.

[GaijinPunch]

Please elaborate.

From my experience, Japanese cops are:
-Much less physically intimidating.
-Much less verbally intimidating.
-Much less physical in general.
-Talk to you much more like you're a disobedient child.
-Not likely to taze you since they don't carry a tazer.
-Not likely to participate in a Rodney King style beating.
-Are apparently terrible at sniffing out drunk drivers

In the states, where you could easily be arrested, in Japan you're likely to be taken to the station, put in a smoke-filled room, verbally be put to shame, and have your wife/boss called and reported to. If you're a gaijin and unlucky, you might need a Japanese friend to come and vouge for you and pick you up... an incidence which I'm going to go out on a limb and say doesn't occur in the states.

I've had a few run-ins with the law in both countries... only arrested in the states though, of course for misdemeanors, when I was a youngster. Once really wasn't my fault... this can be attributed to a cop that very much fit duffy's description. This cop was the "victim". The arresting police officer was actually quite cool, and didn't even show up to the court hearing. For those that don't know, that means the case was dismissed.

Maybe he means that like in Japan cops are not like the "get on the ground, hands where i can see them" type

Yes, that would've been the short version.

Gaijinpunch was quoting me cause I asked him how well they are equipped.

The physical differences should be apparent to anyone with vision. I can't imagine why anyone would think otherwise. Yes, there are fat and out of shape cops in the states and in Japan, but the chances of finding a rather bulky but relatively fit police officer in North America is exponentially higher. Of course the Kevlar adds a lot... which falls under the initial "equipped" inquiry. The other differences you just pick up on.

'm still waiting for elaboration on how they're almost the exact opposite of cops in the U.S.

Sorry... was away from the computer for a few days.

[Shibuyaexpat]

come on now, its just a basic statement. im lazy and stereotypes save time. Totally understand. Like the other day, a friend asked me about Canada, and I simply stated, "they're just a bunch lazy bastards, whose only idea of a good time is watching maple syrup harden." :wave: sorry, couldn't resist :p

[lexico]

Totally understand. Like the other day, a friend asked me about Canada, and I simply stated, "they're just a bunch lazy bastards, whose only idea of a good time is watching maple syrup harden." :wave: sorry, couldn't resist :poooohkay...now that's a brave one on you, Shibuyaexpat.
But I'm sure duff_o_josh will take it in good sensible, humour. Right, duff_o_josh ? :D

[Shibuyaexpat]

oooohkay...now that's a brave one on you, Shibuyaexpat.
But I'm sure duff_o_josh will take it in good sensible, humour. Right, duff_o_josh ? :D I hope that the light-heartedness of my comment came through. Besides, we Americans are nothing but collection of over-bearing, gun-totin', SUV-driving morons whose only exposure to something foreign is buying a Chevrolet :p

[duff_o_josh]

oooohkay...now that's a brave one on you, Shibuyaexpat.
But I'm sure duff_o_josh will take it in good sensible, humour. Right, duff_o_josh ? :D
haha ofcourse i laughed. anything with maple syrup is great ofcourse, even stereotypes :blush: