NCJ Number
81749
Date Published
1981
Length
33 pages
Annotation
Japanese police activities for the year 1981 and the country's major crime problems are discussed.
Abstract
The highest number of criminal cases was recorded since 1965, while the number of bank robberies and abductions for ransom increased alarmingly. Embezzlement and bribery cases mounted as did cases of stimulant drug use involving juveniles. In addition, radical leftist groups mounted a large number of guerrilla incidents. The number of traffic deaths increased for the first time in 10 years. Police activities focused on juvenile 'speed' gangs, juveniles taken into custody for criminal offenses, and on drug-related arrests. Speed gangs are groups of juveniles who speed down roadways in cars without mufflers. They attack citizens and destroy property. As of November 1980, there were 754 groups with approximately 39,000 members. Other activities discussed by the author involve community level activities, crimes and criminal investigations, and prevention of juvenile delinquency. The maintenance of safe living conditions and a clean environment are examined with reference to stimulants and narcotic drugs, the control of firearms, economic crime, pollution crime control, health and sanitation crime control, and sex-related entertainment. Traffic problems and future plans for dealing with ongoing problems are also described.