NCJ Number
146027
Journal
Police Studies Volume: 16 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1993) Pages: 33-36
Date Published
1993
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes the current restructuring of Japan's police organization.
Abstract
Although Japanese society is often viewed as more hierarchical than Western societies, the new National Police Agency (NPA) policy aims to transform the organization from its current pyramidal shape to one that is more pencil-like. There are two reasons for this restructuring. First, policymakers recognize that as police work becomes more complex, an increasing number of police responsibilities require officers with experience and expertise, as well as more knowledge and specialization. Secondly, the NPA wants more ways to reward hard workers. The NPA predicts that the reform will make it possible for more officers to become sergeants by their early 30's and assistant inspectors by their mid-40's. Under existing pay scales, a patrol officer with 23 years service earns as much as a sergeant with 20 years service. It is also possible for such veterans to earn as much in basic pay as their station commander, who may hold the rank of superintendent. 1 table and 9 references