Japan's Police Force Is The Envy Of Thailand

The state of Thailand's police was the subject of debate at a recent conference in Bangkok.

Thailand's police do not have the respect of the people in Thailand and it is believed that corruption is rife within the force, and the government have been seeking ways to improve on Thailand's image as far as law enforcement goes.

The Japanese however have an excellent reputation. They are seen as reliable, honest and dependable, meaning the Japanese public feel safe and secure thanks to their police force.

Professor Dr Wasan Luangprapat of the Thammasat University organised the seminar with a view of exploring reform of the Thai police force and to determine if the Japanese model, could work in Thailand.

The professor said the Japanese force was remodelled in 1952, and now features two levels. One is the National Police Agency, which is responsible for budgeting, fingerprinting, policies, regulations, statistics and coordination of police units.

The other is an investigation unit, which is territorial, who uphold public order, handle traffic management and issue licences to bars and clubs.

Officers who work within the territorial units often spend their entire career working in the same area, thus have a great deal of local knowledge.

The police in Japan cooperate with communities and volunteers. There are police booths in every zone, meaning if a crime occurs, the force reacts quickly.

Wasan also stated that officers in Japan, investigate crimes meticulously, before an arrest is made, so that there is little chance of the public prosecution service rejecting a case through lack of evidence. Evidence is key when it comes to investigations.

Salaries of officers are also higher, which in turn reduces the chances of an officer taking a bribe.

Reform is very much needed in Thailand. The people of the nation must be able to trust their law enforcers and know that any attempt to bribe an officer will have serious repercussions but for this to work, the force must have a decent income.

Many will say reform is impossible but if handled correctly, surely the people and visitors to Thailand, can have a reliable police force who have integrity and honour their positions with pride.

Source: The Nation

Content: TPVS