## Column: Approach taken by Prefectural Police

Prefectural police are engaged in a variety of approaches to establish a strong police force that truly deserves the trust of the citizens.

(1) Receiving and processing complaints from victims from the standpoint of the victims.

The great responsibility bestowed upon the police is the provision of prompt and appropriate responses to demands from citizens seeking punishments for criminals.

Consequently, prefectural police have determined to accept complaints submitted to them immediately with the exclusion of those that are clearly false allegations or those that are lacking in credibility. In addition, when accepting complaints, police have also determined to issue written records of the time and date the complaint was submitted, details of the contact used and other details when requested, for the convenience of the person(s) submitting the complaint.

## (2) Material Evidence Management Systems utilizing 2D Code

With concerns over the increased burden related to the storage and management of material evidence following the abolition of the statute of limitations, Fukui Prefectural Police developed a material evidence management system that utilizes 2D Code. This system enables officers to accurately ascertain the storage status of material evidence by reading the attached 2D code. This prevents errors such as mistaken data entry into systems regarding the storage of material evidence, alleviates administrative workloads and also contributes to the accurate and effective management of material evidence.

Material evidence management using 2D Code

(3) Sharing and introducing the statements of gratitude and encouragement received from the nation’s citizens

Many statements expressing gratitude and encouragement have been received from the nation’s citizens in relation to police activities. Police are sharing these statements with the aim of heightening morale and boosting the sense of mission and pride among police personnel.

Furthermore, by introducing some of the statements received on the websites and other media of each prefectural police force, police are endeavoring to secure the trust of residents within their jurisdictions and a sense of security with regards to public safety, so that this will lead to further cooperation with police activities in the future.

## The voices of the prefecture's residents

On August 12, 2012, the residence of an elderly lady living alone in Nishi-ku, Fukuoka city was burglarized and the victim was greatly shocked. In order to alleviate the anxiety of the victim, police officers of the Matsubara Koban (police box) of the Nishi Police Station, at the time Senior Police Officer A (34) and Police Officer B (28), implemented vigilance activities in relation to which the victim later sent the following letter of gratitude.

While the victim was asleep upstairs on the first floor of her home, her purse and other precious metals left downstairs were stolen.

The victim was greatly shocked at the breaking and entry while she was asleep, and, with no family, friends or other acquaintances nearby with whom to consult, she seemed beside herself with worry about her future.

So, Senior Police Officer A and all his colleagues from Matsubara Koban, working under the motto "Quickly erasing the

The letter contained words of gratitude, saying "I truly thank you for the patrols you conducted day and night". The officers at Matsuhara Koban were relieved that her anxiety had been erased and were pleased to learn that their down-to-earth activities had steadily borne fruit, and pledged to continue persevering in their duties.

Statement of gratitude received in relation to police activities