Koban system
The term "Koban" appeared at the end of the 19th century. It is considered a shortened form of the words "kotai" (shift) and "tatiban" (duty), and means "shift watchman's booth". Currently, more than 12,800 such plots are operating in "Kunchikar Yurt". Residents call the policemen on duty "o-mawari-san" (Mr. Patrol).
The main feature of the system is openness. A police officer's workplace is located next to a window or transparent door facing the street. The name Koban is always written in the Latin alphabet so that foreigners can easily recognize it.
People feel safe when they see a policeman wearing a blue uniform. After all, the koban system in the country represents the high confidence of citizens in the police.
In rural areas, a koban is often combined with an office building ("chudzaysyo"). O-mawari-san lives here with his family and is a respected member of society.
What does O-mawari-san do?
Precinct officers prevent potential crimes. He patrols the area on foot, bicycle, moped or in a car, listens to residents' complaints and gives them the necessary recommendations and advice. Even those who are lost turn to them. In addition, they come to the rescue when finding an elderly person who has left the house (which is becoming more and more common these days).
Police officers warn the public about fraud, including modern forms of cybercrime.
If someone finds a wallet or keys on the street, they take them to the koban. Thanks to this system, the country has the highest rate of return of lost items in the world.
The motto of the system is "Prevention through trust". This helps the population to accept o-mawari-san as "their own person".
Hai-tek and traditions
Japan successfully combines tradition with innovation. Modern koban is not only a "base point", but also a security service center. In this facility, devices with an artificial intelligence system that can answer questions in 10-12 languages have been installed. They are equipped with geo-information terminals and touch panels. If the employee has left for a tour of the area, the citizen can easily enter the building, get the necessary information or communicate with him through an interactive monitor.
In the country, famous architects are consulted when developing new building projects for koban. This ensures that police buildings appear modern and "friendly" as an integral part of the urban landscape.
What is the cost?
The Koban system has been successfully implemented in Singapore, Indonesia, Brazil and other countries with the support of JICA. This system has helped to significantly reduce crime by building trust between the police and the public.
Public safety is measured not only by administrative instructions and regulations, but also by the effective operation of support centers that are always ready to help.
Bunyod DAVRONOV,
Major.
Radik TUMPAROV,
our own reporter.