Kōban

[6][7] Police officers stationed at kōban serve several roles:[8] The name kōban derives from the name of the earliest structure built in 1874, which were simple boxes meant for standing watch (立番, tachiban) in rotation (交替, kōtai), thus creating a compound word consisting of kō (交) and ban (番).

"Kōban" was further systematized and spread out nationwide, playing an important role in the Japanese police system over decades.

In one case in 2019, a lone officer stationed inside a kōban in Suita was attacked and his sidearm stolen.

These outposts are usually located on street platforms, roadsides, near government buildings, embassies, military bases, major intersections, busy marketplaces, and other strategic urban areas.

JICA has helped to establish kōban-style community policing programs in several countries, including Indonesia, Brazil,[15] and Honduras.