Koban (police box)

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This koban is a landmark in the Ginza district, Tokyo, Japan

Koban in Kameari, Katsushika ward, Tokyo, Japan. Modeled Koban for manga of Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kōen-mae Hashutsujo

The Japanese map symbol for a koban

A kōban (交番) is a type of police box found in Japan, and southwestern China (though they are not called by the same name there). In addition to central police stations, Japanese uniformed police work is done from small buildings located within the community, a form of community policing. Police officers in these buildings can keep watch, respond to emergencies, give directions, and otherwise interact with citizens on a more intimate basis than they could from a more distant station. Etymologically, koban generally means 3-4 police officers standing watch (立番, duty with standing) in rotation (交替).

[edit] Services provided

Police officers stationed at koban serve several roles:

Maps and directions -- Providing maps & directions to local addresses, in some cases even personally guiding those unfamiliar with local street layouts and addressing schemes. Additionally, officers can refer people to local hotels, restaurants, and other businesses. They can even recommend a good ramen noodle shop.

Lost and found -- Accepting reports of lost items and accepting found items from members of the public. If a matching lost item is turned in, notifying the loser to come and pick up the item.

Crime reports -- Taking police reports, typically for property crimes such as theft and burglary.

Emergency services -- As well as dialing the emergency telephone number "110" in case of police, fire, or medical emergency, direct contact can be made with the koban and assistance will be dispatched.