交番(こうばん)

A small neighborhood police station found on street corners throughout Japan. Staffed by one or two officers, these are a uniquely Japanese institution recognized internationally.

COMMON FUNCTIONS:

• Giving directions to lost pedestrians
• Receiving 落(お)とし物(もの) (lost items)
• Handling minor incidents and disputes
• Community patrol and crime prevention

COMMON PATTERNS:

• 交番(こうばん)で道(みち)を聞(き)く: to ask for directions at a police box
• 交番(こうばん)に届(とど)ける: to turn something in at a police box

CULTURAL NOTE:
The 交番(こうばん) system is a model of community policing that has been adopted by other countries. Officers are expected to know the local neighborhood well and maintain friendly relations with residents.

RELATED TERMS:

• 警察署(けいさつしょ): police station (larger, full-service)
• 警官(けいかん): police officer (neutral)
• おまわりさん: policeman (friendly/informal term, used by children)