MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Iwakuni’s new Safety Patrol Iwakuni team started making its first rounds April 1.
The team consists of 10 police officers from various law enforcement backgrounds.
Many of the officers speak English and are able to assist English speaking residents and visitors more effectively, connecting the communities of Japanese and base personnel better than before.
“Here in Iwakuni we have the Kintai Bridge. Well, we as Safety Patrol Iwakuni would like to act as the bridge between foreigners and the Japanese community,” said Officer Yoshikazu Ida, a member of the new unit.
The new group of officers can be identified from regular police by their distinctive black and pink SPI armbands worn on their left arm.
To go with the new unit, is a brand new building, or koban. Koban, meaning “police box,” is the smallest echelon of Japanese police organization.
The building is near fourcorners and was dedicated April 3.
“This koban is located where it can be most effective, where our communities most interact and where we can all access it for mutual assistance,” said Maj. Giuseppe Stavale, station provost marshal, during his speech in Japanese at the opening ceremony.
The new koban has many amenities designed to strengthen bonds between base personnel and SPI officers.
“They have a new room that basically entertains the courtesy patrol and military police,” said Stavale.”
“Americans tend to believe in having a good attitude. Japanese believe in building stronger relationships,” he said. “This building strengthens relationships and we’re always invited.”
In addition to the new room, the facility also boasts easy accessibility.
“Also, most of the officers speak English, which makes communication not only better for Japanese, but for Americans too,” said Akito Tsuchida, an 11-year police
veteran.
The koban always has a representative available.
If a person needs assistance and all officers are out of the building, an exterior live camera phone allows those seeking help to communicate directly with Iwakuni Police Headquarters.