Shindo's characterization caused the development team difficulties because he was intended to be portrayed as a likable character due to his importance as a highly skilled detective.

During the making of the series, director Naoyoshi Shiotani entrusted the writers Tow Ubukata, Makoto Fukami and Ryo Yoshigami with handling a new cast.

Shiotani and the producers also discussed the idea of a "Total Character Change" saying, "think of them as two good buddies" despite outwardly differing personalities and physical appearance.

Ubukata also presents the concept of "psychology vs. combat," making Shindo a mentalist while Ignatov is a former soldier trained in martial arts.

And while Shindo's cheerfulness may strike one as naïve compared to Ignatov's stoic nature, he is discovered to be a keen sleuth as the series unfolds.

Shiotani wanted Shindo to look like a weak person in contrast to returning and new Psycho-Pass most notably due to his low height.

[5] Upon the release of the film First Inspector, Kaji said that his impression of Arata is that he is a man who believes in the potential of humans and noted he cares for his teammates, the Reinforcers as seen through his actions across the anime.

Nakamura had no clear understanding of Shindo and Ignatov because their pasts are not explored in the early episodes and he looked forward to the development of the series.

In Psycho-Pass 3, Shindo and Ignatov serve under Chief Mika Shimotsuki who tends to be irritated by the duo's reckless actions, but allows them to proceed.

Nevertheless, the site further stated that both Shindo and Ignatov are likeable characters, enjoying the former more for his cheerful personality, which contrasts with the series' dark narrative.

[15] Shindo was also praised by Anime News Network for the way his mentalist skills added a new element to investigations and the air of mystery it gave to the new series.

[16] The same site noted that as more information about the two lead characters was revealed, the more their fate became chaotic, citing Shindo's hallucinations and the hidden aspects of his father's death.

[20] Comic Book Resources praised traits given to Shindo that make him an appealing character, comparable to the ones of Kogami and Tsunemori but at the same time unique, noting his Mental Trace.

In preparation for First Inspector, the website looked forward to how Shindo's most prominent bonds will be explored such as his connection with Tsunemori, Atsushi, Kei and Karima.

[21] In regards to his role in First Inspector, Biggest in Japan praised the handling of Arata during the climax when he is judged by the Sybil System due to the parallels with Tsunemori and Shimotsuki in the past with Arata instead being judged as an equal while also praising his characterization for being close to the viewer as a result of being one of the few characters close to the audience when it comes to his conflict with Azusawa.