1.
police substation; residential police box
A small police facility in a rural or suburban area where an officer lives on-site with their family. Larger than a simple police box and typically staffed by a single officer who serves the local community.
Composed of 駐在 (being stationed, residing) + 所 (place). Distinct from 交番 (police box): a 交番 is found in urban areas and staffed in shifts, while a 駐在所 is in rural areas with a resident officer who lives there with their family. The officer is called 駐在さん by locals and serves as a community figure. Common collocations: 駐在所勤務 (service at a police substation), 駐在所の巡査 (the substation officer). A familiar concept in Japanese rural life and frequently appears in mystery and drama set in the countryside.