Handcuffed man escapes police after molesting woman in Aichi

Police said the man is about 170 cm tall and was wearing a black jacket, beige pants and a bracelet that looks like a pair of handcuffs.

The cops in this country are a disgrace in terms of fitness. The chap wanted in connection with Lindsey Hawker managed to outsprint some of the nation's finest, and now this chap has also done a runner. It clearly says the guy was "resisting arrest," why didn't they just quieten down the suspect with a cattle prod or taser before trying to put the cuffs on him?

Yet another super-human criminal evades the sub-human J-cops. Crims in this country have got it so good. All cops in NSW, Oz are to be issued tazers this year and they will use them. If this guy did a runner in the states he would have had cap put fair up his (_).

Moderator: Readers, please do not turn this into a discussion of what would happen in other countries. It's not relevant.

Japan is still in the stone age when it comes to protecting and serving.

Was the fence to high for the policeman to jump over to continue the pursuit?

Did you know you could do that in GTA4? You automatically get 2 stars and cops shooting at you so make sure u have a vest. So why didn't they shoot him?

Jcops are not issued tazers. Their lives were not in danger so they did not shoot.

It's not easy to handcuff a resisting suspect, even with 4 or 5 cops. Also, there was no description of the size of the cops.

The Japanese police once again prove they are the envy of the world...

Rick0909-

They are issued slap jacks, that could help when trying to cuff someone. Resisting arrest is grounds for a wack or two.

I reckon these two policemen were a right pair of twats

Job well done guys!

" . . . the sub-human J-cops . . . "

" . . . Crims in this country have got it so good."

" . . . Japan is still in the stone age when it comes to protecting and serving."

" . . . The Japanese police once again prove they are the envy of the world..."

And yet, paradoxically, Japan still boasts a crime rate significantly lower than that of most other industrialized nations. For as much as the Japanese police supposedly "suck," I can't help but notice the glaring lack of drive-by shootings, drug dealing on street corners, riots, burning cars, widespread rape, pillaging, looting, and a host of other ills that should be logically associated with an incompetent police force. Obviously, they must be doing something right.

Give the guy who got away a little credit. Considering how harsh the social repercussions are in Japan for someone accused much less convicted of molestation, the jerk who assaulted the woman probably had far more incentive to run as fast as possible than the cops who tried to arrest him. Fear of imprisonment can bring out the best - and worst - in people. They'll get him eventually.

As usual, the Japanese police at their best -- can't even catch a molester.

Seriously, get some young, tough police officers in there instead of the old men who ride the rickety old scooters and who can't run to save their lives.

LFRAgain, I agree, one case and people on this board are all over it with criticisms, go look at other countries' crime rates, if you can find a better place to live, go move there and stop complaining or go sign up to be a j-cop.

''Did another one get away?'' ''Hai.'' ''Um... We didnt see him. You left your cuffs at the depot. Mister Donuts?'' ''I'll drive.''

And yet, paradoxically, Japan still boasts a crime rate significantly lower than that of most other industrialized nations. For as much as the Japanese police supposedly "suck," I can't help but notice the glaring lack of drive-by shootings, drug dealing on street corners, riots, burning cars, widespread rape, pillaging, looting, and a host of other ills that should be logically associated with an incompetent police force. Obviously, they must be doing something right.

You are making the assumption that the low crime rate is due to the great job the police are doing.

Moderator: Readers, once again we ask you to stay on topic. Comparisons to the police and crime rates in other countries will not be permitted because they are, of course, not relevant to this particular discussion.

Does anyone know what sort of physical training Japanese police have to undergo?

"You are making the assumption that the low crime rate is due to the great job the police are doing."

Let's put it another way: who reports the crime rate? ;-)

I think the concept of resisting arrest still has to sink in for many Japanese police. In the old days, a man in uniform was respected as an authority figure in Japan, whether it was a cop or security guard. Older cops are not mentally or physically prepared to deal with resistance.

they are the most decent,civilised police force around the world.i have witnessed a lot in their activities.even as u resist, shout on them.they still will ve to patience n finally wil get u in there.

Does anyone know what sort of physical training Japanese police have to undergo?

In the Academy, it's pretty tough. Daughter would come home on her weekends off limping, covered in bruises and with all kinds of twists, sprains and aching joints.

After graduation, it depends a lot on which section they go in. Daughter is mostly at a desk and cushty (though the hours are long). Future SiL did a stint in the Narita anti-terrorist/riot squad, which involved pretty arduous training all togged up in the riot gear in the heat of summer.

Dunno much about the average omawari-san on the beat. Maybe not so strenuous. The hours they work are totally ridiculous. I wouldn't imagine it left much time or energy for physical training - sleep would have a higher priority.

What LFRAgain, am1301 and samsarks said.

am1301: ", go move there and stop complaining or go sign up to be a j-cop."

You think they'd let us be police?? If we did that, we might want to stop all the corruption. And anyway, I see you're one of the 'if you don't like it, leave' crowd; the one that says you are not allowed to have an opinion of us unless it's positive.

The only police that are in any kind of decent physical condition are often abused by their seniors (by that I mean they get all the crap work) who sit at their desks and smoke and drink coffee, and end up shooting themselves.

Look... I'm not saying ALL police are bad; most are hard working, decent people... but Japan still has this idea from the bottom up that people will naturally turn themselves in and not put up a fight for something they do that's bad. You see it in the collapse of the school system, the resignation of politicians, and here with the man simply running away and the cops unable to pursue.

Japan has to get with the times and realize that people don't always do the honourable thing after they do something very unhonourable. The cops are inadequate when it comes to dealing with crime, bottom line, and those people that come on here and say, "Japan boasts a low crime rate" clearly haven't read about all the insane murders and what not that have spiked exponentially in the last few years. What's more, I bet there's a whole lot of incidents that just aren't reported.

Police said the man is about 170 cm tall and was wearing a black jacket and beige pants.

Well, with this clear description, I am sure he will picked up in no time...Of course, the handcuffs (if they are still attached to his hand) might be a bigger help.

I'm with shouganaika - what a pair of twats.

cleo,

sounds like yr daughter was bullied more than trained, I hope not. As for the Narita cops I see them all the time they resemble Darth Vader so thats what I have nick named them, they move around in their vans, post up somewhere then gather up their shields, drive around, post up & repeat all around the airport & environs. Those guys seem to be in pretty good shape & yeah summer must be hell for them.

One guy gets a way and some think its the end of the world for japan.

GW -

No, no bullying (she's not the type to either put up or shut up), but lots of early-morning runs... and it seems the judo/self defence/unarmed combat class was a pretty steep learning curve for her. :-)

They do not have a police baton, to "gently" pacify the suspect?

The police not whacking people over the head is one reason it is so peaceful here.

The fact that they don't have Tasers is why people are not tazed to death here.

One molester got away. Would you rather the molester resorted to knocking his victims unconscious with a brick because he feared a similar fate from the cops? Having lived where cops can be rough, I cannot see as they have helped the situation. Seems far more likely that all they have done is made rougher criminals.

Honestly, I am far more interested in the details of the molestation. Was the woman screaming? If not, how did they know it was molestation? What sort of place was it? How did the woman get in that situation? How did the man get the woman in that situation? Was everyone good with it until the cops came along? What was the woman's story? That episode in itself is bizarre enough.

Why am I not surprised by this story?

They should have cuffed his right hand first. The right wrist of a groper is always busy, and he'd have biffed himself unconscious within 30 minutes.

...sigh...

Hmmm...unfortunate in light of the Ichihashi debacle, but not the end of the world.

Congrats on being about to gain an SIL, Cleo!

Thank you, zai!

Let me see 170 cm tall. I think I saw him yesterday.

Let's put it another way: who reports the crime rate? ;-)

Oh, please, people. Cut the melodrama for a minute and actually look out your front door. For anyone who actually lives here, all you have to do is take a stroll down the street at any time of the day or night and you KNOW you have very little to fear in terms of assault, rape, or murder. Which suggests something about the effectiveness of Japanese law enforcement and the society that is responsible for its existence.

So many ex-pats here seem hell bent on convincing themselves and the world that Japan is this hotbed for violent crime on par with New York, London, and Mexico City, when the simple reality and actual facts don’t bear that out IN THE LEAST. I know it, you know it, and everyone else here knows it. The reason stuff like this makes the news at all is precisely because it happens so infrequently. Japanese crime is SIGNIFICANTLY lower and the odds of getting assaulted in some shape or form are infinitely small, compared to one’s chances in (yes, Mod) other countries. Considering the population of Japan, not to mention the population density of the major city centers, that in and of itself is remarkable.

As for Japanese police “getting with the times,” what the world does that mean? Is this a suggestion that groping is a new phenomenon and that criminals fleeing the law is a recent development? Methinks someone is overly romanticizing Japanese notions of honor and face.

The police work in concert with the community in a mutually beneficial way that promotes peaceful neighborhoods and low crime. I’m not quoting books or articles. I’m saying this because it’s what I SEE on a day-to-day basis where I live.

Nowhere in Japan do we see the "Citizens versus the Pigs" attitude that seems to be part and parcel of urban life elsewhere. We don't really have the litany of derogatory slang terms for Japanese police that we would find in English. On the contrary, Japanese police get slapped with labels like "Mr. Walking Around." Gads! The locals actually have the audacity to respect and even LIKE their police force. Perhaps that’s why crime is lower. But I sure as hell know that it’s not because the Japanese police are incompetent. They are the appropriate police force for this particular environment, and the proof is in the pudding. Whether you like the flavor or not.

When my wife was groped on a train (there's muthaf'in snakes on this muthaf'n train) it took 8 cops 8 hours to process. Hmmmmm, I really wonder why this crim got away? Perhaps it was the end of the shift.

LFRAgain at 08:38 PM JST - 11th March

Bravo! Great post! Unfortunately, those with the pathological need to bash Japan despite all the evidence, just in order to feel better about their pathetic selves, will recover from the just slap you just dished out eventually.

Big difference between the effectiveness of law enforcement and passive conformity...

Oh, please, people. Cut the melodrama for a minute and actually look out your front door. For anyone who actually lives here, all you have to do is take a stroll down the street at any time of the day or night and you KNOW you have very little to fear in terms of assault, rape, or murder. Which suggests something about the effectiveness of Japanese law enforcement and the society that is responsible for its existence.

Again, you are confusing cause and effect.

I think most people would agree (except for a few posters) Japan is a very safe country overall. It's one of Japan's good points. But to say that Japan is safe due to the effectiveness of its law enforcement is a naive statement.

The society and culture values conformity, respect for authority, obedience, avoidance of conflict and groupism. These values are instilled from birth. In my opinion, I would say the stucture and values of the culture have more to do with Japan being safe than the law enforcement.

The argument could be made that the reason Japanese cops seem so inept at handling anything other than checking bicycles is becuase they never have a need to do much more than that. And that's a good thing.

As for the rape thing, I would have to disagree. The society's attitude towards women is sickening to me. Anything of a criminal sexual nature seems to thrive in Japan. I've never seen/experienced/heard about so much rape, groping, public reading of porno, harrassment, flashing, old dudes fixated on 19 year olds, panty stealers, rape porno or stalkers in my life. But that's just my experience.

While Japan is in many ways significantly safer than other industrialized countries, the idea of "Safety Japan" is a complete and total myth. Unfortunately, it is one that is embraced by both the locals and foreigners alike, and is rarely challenged. A LOT of crimes, especially those of a sexual nature against women, go unreported. Ask any of your Japanese female friends whether they have ever been touched, or flashed or harassed by either a stranger or someone they know. The chances are that they have, and that they did nothing about it. That's called assault in a lot of other places. In Japan, that's simply known as taking the train to school. There is also an allowance for a lot of other things which would be prosecuted in other countries. The Yakuza are allowed to operate freely in cities and towns all over Japan, and not only do the police know where their headquarters are, but they also have membership lists. Child pornography, human trafficking, prostitution and gambling all occur pretty much in the open, with the tacit approval of the authorities.

I spent a long time in Japan, and while I always felt safe there, I know people who were swarmed on the street for no reason, robbed, beat up and groped. A man even got shot at a train station near my old apartment in Nagoya (I don't think he died though). Bad things DO happen in Japan, and the police need to be better equipped to handle them when they do.

Stories like this one, or the one from a few years ago when police in Tokyo were caught on tape running away from a suspect, or the very famous naked Spanish man are good for a laugh while I peruse the Japanese papers each morning. But when you think about the fact that these are the people responsible for ensuring the safety of the population, it becomes a lot less funny. And in cases like the Ichihashi debacle, when he escaped the police, BAREFOOT - it becomes downright tragic.

I also know from just speaking to Japanese friends that the police are not held in particularly high esteem. Much like the political classes in Japan, they are simply another institution whose ineptitude is merely accepted as most people feel that it's simply the way it is and feel powerless to do anything about it. When the tape of the J-Cops in Tokyo running from that speed freak a few years back was being played all over the world, more than a few people I know expressed both embarrassment and resignation.

likeitis -- actually, I think medievaltimes and J_rock's comments were much more on target. And, based on their rather rational manner of defending their position, I would not qualify either as haveing a "pathological need to bash Japan". Me thinks you protest too loudly.

herefornow--actually, I think medievaltimes and J_rock's comments were much more on target...I would not qualify either as haveing a "pathological need to bash Japan".

That's nice. I don't remember naming names, but you just go right ahead and act like I was talking about them despite the fact that they posted only AFTER my post with the exception of one by medieval times that hardly applies.

The society and culture values conformity, respect for authority, obedience, avoidance of conflict and groupism. These values are instilled from birth. In my opinion, I would say the structure and values of the culture have more to do with Japan being safe than the law enforcement.

I agree entirely. But you can’t simply take the police force out of the equation and assume that this dynamic would continue to work. As I said earlier, it’s a mutually beneficial arrangement, with the police meeting the needs of the community in a way that is no worse than what I see with other nation’s police forces. Criminals get away all the time all over the world, so this isn’t something exclusive to Japanese society. And again, the fact that this is in the news at all says something about the unusual nature of the incident. Meanwhile, we all go on blithely unaware of the countless successful arrests that happen on a daily basis.

Which is why I take issue with posters who lambaste the police here with the tired refrain, "Well, where I come from, yada yada yada . . . " The point is that this isn't back home, and the same brass balls, head-cracking, "We command respect" (versus earning respect) approach to community policing, while perhaps effective elsewhere, would not work here, IMO.

For one, it would be a developmental step backward for a Japanese society that not so long ago was terrorized by the kempeitai, a police force that operated with impunity.

For another, overtly creating the kind of hard-as-tacks police force that posters here seem to pine wistfully for, would ultimately create the same sort of Us Versus Them attitudes that have come to characterize how many other industrialized civilian populations view their own police forces. This would go entirely against the Japanese social and cultural dynamics that you point out above, and have thus far contributed to the relatively safe society that Japan is.

To address your points about Japanese society’s attitudes towards women, you’ll get no argument from me. But even you can appreciate that the asshat who molested this woman would in all likelihood have been given a free pass only a decade ago. That they went after him is a credit to changing social attitudes evident across the board. Still, social revolution in Japan isn’t something that’s going to come about overnight at the behest and shrieking of disenchanted ex-pats. Change takes time. Granted, that change isn't coming about as fast as we would like, but is is happening, and for the better. But calling for a revamping of the police force isn’t going to address the needed changes one bit.

Another classic blunder by incompetent J-cops.

medievaltimes: I've never seen/experienced/heard about so much rape, groping, public reading of porno, harrassment, flashing, old dudes fixated on 19 year olds, panty stealers, rape porno or stalkers in my life. But that's just my experience.

Every single thing you mentioned was very far from the crime of rape. Next in line would be stalking and groping. Then harassment. And the rest are not even worth thinking about, much less putting them in the same sentence as rape. Now, go back to rape and get yourself some statistics.

Now, you can choose to disbelieve those statistics and imagine that Japanese women just are not reporting if you want to. Some people go that route. But some of those stats are based on surveys and not filed reports, like the one from the UN here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rape_statistics

Japan's rate is not the lowest, but it is low. And that rate is paramount. Flashing can run rampant for all I care so long as the rape rate is low.

The society's attitude towards women is sickening to me.

And my society's attitude toward men sickens me.

Contrary to the perception of those who hang out in gaijin bars, not all or even most Japanese women regret that they are Japanese. In fact, most women have about as many little complaints as any woman anywhere. Japanese women don't have it so bad. But their priorities and demands certainly are different.

Just try to keep in mind that frequenters of gaijin bars are not representative of all Japanese women. Plenty of women in other bars with no gaijin and a heck of a lot more of them. So I do not think your feelings are shared by the people who really matter; Japanese women.

Also, try to keep in mind that women's attitude toward themselves is also significant. With regard to the survey above, I do not doubt that many Japanese woman just did not consider themselves to have been victimized, whereas other women were real quick to believe they were.

What is the best, most normal balance in male-female relationships and treatment by society? I cannot tell you. But Japan seems to be pretty close over all. You want a place to be sick of societies treatment of women?

Moderator: Back on topic please.

two officers spotted the unidentified man, who is in his 20s, molesting the woman around 8:45 p.m.

I wonder if the victim was mute? Perhaps this was a concensual public display of affection gone bad eh?

likeitis - Huh?

LFRagain: Well said!

But calling for a revamping of the police force isn’t going to address the needed changes one bit.

I guess this is what the issue revovles around. I guess you and I disagree. I think revamping it would be benificial to society...but that's just me.

LFRagain,

At the risk of causing your head to explode, hear, hear!