Trends in the number of female police officers ranking Chief Inspector or above who are employed at prefectural police (2004–2013)

(2) Developing a Police Force that Incorporates the Female Perspective

I. A Review by the Study Group for the Development of Measures that Further Reflect Female Perspectives in Police Force

The Study Group for the Development of Measures that Further Reflect Female Perspectives in Police Force, consisting of a five-person group of outside experts, was held four times from January 2013.

In May 2013, the Study Group compiled the Report on the Development of Measures that Further Reflect Female Perspectives in Police Work that suggests a future approach that will transform the police force into an organization further reflecting female perspectives in the police force to cope with varied social needs, such as strengthening measures regarding female victims.

### I I. Specific Initiatives

The Prefectural Police are promoting the following initiatives to create an environment that allows women to play an active role.

The Study Group chair submits a report

In addition, the National Police Agency is also developing various initiatives, including nationally introducing good practices in all prefectural police, and periodically holding exchange conferences for female police officers at Regional Police Bureaus with the aim of heightening awareness and encouraging exchange between female police officers across prefectures.

## Examples of specific initiatives in prefectural police

## Active participation by women

A Project to Promote Women’s Active Participation was established and is led by a female Superintendent. The Plan to Support Women’s Return to Work was drawn up and provides for a parenting advisor to give advice to women on childcare leave about balancing work with parenting after returning to work. (MPD)

To gather a variety of opinions from female police personnel, a Women’s Review Committee was established composed of female police personnel with a wide range of attributes (rank, age, marital status, parents/non-parents, etc.), and the opinions of that committee were reflected on a trial basis in the blade-proof protective clothing worn by female officers. (Hiroshima)

Women’s Support (Committee for the Creation of a Female-Friendly Work Environment), composed of all female members, was established. Female police officers carry out reviews/improvements, including improving napping facilities and setting up cribs for citizens who visit with infants. (Shimane)

## Creating a Female-Friendly Work Environment

O Assign positions with less work load and duties that can be easily scheduled to female personnel who work shorter hours or are on partial leave due to childcare; two female personnel to fulfill one full-time position. (Aichi)

To assist with duties carried out by a police officer on childcare leave, a retired police officer is hired for a term. (Ibaraki)

O Support is promoted that includes visiting the worksites of pregnant police officers to give suggestions about when to take maternity leave, and give advice to employees on childcare leave and about returning to work. (Niigata)

## Efforts to encourage the participation of men in childcare

Male personnel are encouraged to take leave for childbirth support (at least 5 consecutive days between 8 weeks before the expected date of birth until after 8 weeks of birth date). (Tochigi)