NCJ Number
93607
Journal
American Journal of Police Volume: 3 Issue: 1 Dated: (Fall 1983) Pages: 87-109
Date Published
1983
Length
27 pages
Annotation
Japanese citizens' participation in informal social control as well as their involvement in helping the police and other crime control agencies hold lessons for improving American policing.
Abstract
In Japan, informal social controls are imposed within a group context characterized by uniform values, beliefs, and traditions. Further, the Japanese understand that crime is not the sole responsibility of the police, courts, and corrections authorities but is also the responsibility of citizens. Japan has a long history of voluntary citizen involvement in community service activities, especially concerning crime prevention. Victims and witnesses are willing to report offenses, cooperate with law enforcement, press for prosecution, and maintain high levels of support throughout the justice process. Further, private enterprise works in concert with prison industries. One of the primary ways that citizens support the police is by systematically communicating with authorities about people and activities in their neighborhoods. Reasons for this sustained participation of citizens in social control include (1) the police use of a theory Z police organizational management model, which fosters the development of a strong bond between police officers and their agency; (2) neighborhood-centered police deployment; and (3) strong Japanese beliefs, traditions, and values. The United States should examine how the Japanese have expanded their law enforcement system to include education, the labor market, and noncriminal justice means of social control; the relationship between effective social control and the management structure; public relations campaigns; and police operating style. One graph, 17 footnotes, and 55 references are listed.