Special Higher Police

[1] As the civilian counterpart to the military police forces of the Kenpeitai (army) and of the Tokkeitai (navy), the Tokkō's functions were criminal investigation and counter-espionage.

It was primarily concerned with anarchism, communism, socialism, and the growing foreign population within Japan, but its scope gradually increased to include religious groups, pacifists, student activists, liberals, and ultrarightists.

The Tokkō was composed of six departments (Special Police Work, Foreign Surveillance, Koreans in Japan, Labor Relations, Censorship, Arbitration).

Counter-espionage activities also included monitoring external telephone and radio communications inside or outside Japan and nearby areas.

[clarification needed] The Tokkō was abolished in October 1945 by the Allied Occupation authorities under the Removal of Restrictions on Political, Civil, and Religious Liberties.