Japan's Police Officer Shortage Deepens
Police forces across Japan are struggling to recruit enough officers, with the number of people taking police recruitment examinations falling to less than half the level of a decade ago and concerns growing that persistent staffing shortages could eventually affect public safety. (News On Japan)
Japan's police forces are facing a growing shortage of officers, with the number of candidates taking police recruitment exams falling below half the level from a decade ago. Concerns are rising that persistent staffing shortages could negatively impact public safety. Despite police work being portrayed as a heroic profession in media, potential applicants are deterred by perceived dangers and physical demands.
The number of applicants has plummeted to less than one-fifth of what it was a decade ago, according to an official from Nara Prefectural Police. Nationwide, the decline has been even more severe, with applications dropping to about one-fifth of the level in 2013. The shortage is also reflected in actual staffing levels, with the Metropolitan Police Department in Tokyo filling only about 93% of its officer positions this year, compared to the nationwide average of 97.1%.
To attract more candidates, police departments are ramping up recruitment efforts. In Hyogo Prefecture, a three-day hands-on work experience program drew 35 university students and job seekers to try policing activities firsthand. A former criminal investigation chief warned that the shortage would eventually strain police operations, as they cannot simply suspend investigations or close police boxes due to a lack of officers.
Potential applicants cited concerns over danger and physical demands as reasons for not pursuing the profession. One person found the prospect of confronting frightening or violent individuals intimidating, while another found chasing suspects exhausting. Police work was illustrated through a day in the life of patrol officer Rintaro Horimoto, who responded to various incidents such as lost property, missing persons, illicit filming, and a stolen bicycle.
Despite the physically demanding nature of the job, Horimoto expressed satisfaction in contributing to the community through his work. Police organizations nationwide are reviewing academy operations and strengthening mid-career recruitment to address the shortage. Some prefectural police departments are experimenting with new approaches, such as using social media to present policing in a more approachable light and highlighting the range of possible working styles.
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