The National Police Agency says that 260 police officers and officials nationwide received disciplinary action in 2017.
Among the reasons for discipline, the NPA said the highest numbers were for sexual harassment and camera voyeurism by 83 individuals, Fuji TV reported.
Cases involving theft, fraud and embezzlement were committed by 57 people, while traffic accidents and violations resulted in 40 law enforcement officials being reprimanded.
Other reasons included "violations of work discipline" and power harassment.
In terms of disciplinary action, 32 were fired, 72 suspended and formal warnings given to 34. In 122 cases, police personnel had their salaries cut.
Furthermore, a breakdown by prefectures reports that Fukuoka had the most offenders with 23 officers being disciplined, followed by 21 in Tokyo and 19 in Osaka.
Yamagata, Kochi and Tottori Prefectural Police cited no disciplinary actions against officers.
© Japan Today
21 Comments
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albaleo
I think we read about each of these incidents on Japan Today. Not so much about the other 220,000 police officers in the country.
Blattamexiguus
How many were prosecuted? We may never know.
Kobe White Bar Owner
stay away from the boys in blue at all cost.
Disillusioned
Bwahahaha! Cue Judge Dread, "I am the law!"
smithinjapan
And, nothing will be done about it save the cops get some weed pulling duty around the station or something.
Andrew Crisp
Out of what 220,000 police officers that's a pretty good ratio
Jimizo
It would be good to see the figures for other professions.
The figures for lecturers and teachers could be interesting.
BeerDeliveryGuy
Just like drug dealing “bad cops” they learn the tricks of the trade by arresting and investigating offenders, and improve on their techniques.
Well, at least they aren’t shooting minorities dead in the streets.
Strangerland
And you’re basing this conjecture on...?
shogun36
Among the reasons for discipline, the NPA said the highest numbers were for sexual harassment and camera voyeurism by 83 individuals, Fuji TV reported.
So is there not enough to do when these officers are on duty? Here's a thought, have them pick up a broom or rake and start cleaning up the streets. Or actually patrol their area for any wrong doings.
In my local Koban, I see the officers at their desks checking their phones, sleeping or doing "paperwork." Good to see our taxes go to a good use.
Slickdrifter
Furthermore, a breakdown by prefectures reports that Fukuoka had the most offenders with 23 officers being disciplined. Wow. I live in Fukuoka. Who would have known.
englisc aspyrgend
How come if 57 committed fraud or embezzlement, which presumably are criminal offenses, how come only 32 were fired, and how many were prosecuted?
toshiko
One thing is sure. Japanese cops don't shoot people.
Strangerland
They aren't supposed to. That's the baseline. It's what we expect. When they do shoot someone they shouldn't, that's to be criticized. No comment needs to be made about not shooting people, it's like saying 'that guy is awesome because he doesn't fart in front of me all the time'. You don't need to say that, it's the expectation, it's the guy who does fart all the time in front of people that is to be called out.
BeerDeliveryGuy
The civil servants law defines minor infractions such as, using an issued vehicle on an unapproved route, or stealing office expendables as fraud/embezzlement.
Minor infractions usually result in a suspension or warning that will remain on the permanent service record, and will rarely be prosecuted in criminal court.
lostrune2
J-cops just can't resist them J-girls
pacint
90%, I hardly ever see traffic cops and fewer even enforcing the rules or laws.
macv
far as i know none gave been prosecuted for not doing their jobs lying in reports destroying evidence sheltering connected perps failing to implement due process the exposure of which is necessary to break their stranglehold on justice - I will start a campaign hoping to get nationwide support
macv
none 'have' been prosecuted....
sir_bentley28
I'd think this is a bigger problem. For one citizen violating a simple law there'd be like 15-24 police officers excercising their power harassment tactics.