Translation guide
In Japan, municipal police refers to local police forces operated by cities or prefectures, distinct from the national police. The most common term is 市警察 (shi-keisatsu), but the concept is less common than in some other countries because Japan has a centralized national police system. This guide explains how to refer to municipal police in Japanese, including common terms, related concepts, and usage notes.
To refer to a police force operated by a city government.
The standard term for a municipal police force in Japan. It refers to a police organization under the jurisdiction of a city government. Note that most policing in Japan is handled by prefectural police under the National Police Agency, so this term is used mainly in historical contexts or for cities that have their own police forces (e.g., designated cities).
市警察は地域の安全を守っています。
The municipal police protect the safety of the community.
Literally 'local government police,' this term can refer to police forces operated by municipalities or prefectures. It is broader than 市警察 and may be used in legal or administrative contexts.
自治体警察の権限について議論されています。
The authority of municipal police is being discussed.
An abbreviation of 市警察, often used in news headlines or informal contexts. It can also refer to the municipal police department as an organization.
市警が事件の捜査を進めています。
The municipal police are investigating the case.
To refer to an individual officer belonging to a municipal police force.
A police officer who works for a municipal police force. This term is specific and formal.
彼は市警察官として10年勤務しています。
He has been working as a municipal police officer for 10 years.
An officer of a local government police force. This term is broader and may include prefectural police officers, but in context it can mean municipal police officer.
自治体警察官の採用試験が行われます。
The recruitment exam for municipal police officers will be held.
To refer to the building or organization of a municipal police force.
The headquarters of a municipal police force. This term is used for the main office of a city police department.
市警察本部は市役所の隣にあります。
The municipal police headquarters is next to the city hall.
An abbreviation of 市警察本部, commonly used in news or casual conversation.
市警本部から発表がありました。
There was an announcement from the municipal police headquarters.
To refer to a local police station or substation operated by a municipal police force.
A police station under the jurisdiction of a municipal police force. Note that in Japan, most police stations are under prefectural police, so this term is used only in cities with their own police.
最寄りの市警察署に行ってください。
Please go to the nearest municipal police station.
In Japan, most police services are provided by prefectural police (都道府県警察) under the National Police Agency (警察庁). Municipal police forces exist only in some designated cities or historical contexts. When referring to local police in general, it is more common to use 警察 (keisatsu) or 所轄警察署 (shokatsu keisatsusho, local police station). Using 市警察 may cause confusion if the listener assumes the national/prefectural system.
この地域は県警察が管轄しています。
This area is under the jurisdiction of the prefectural police.
市警察 (shi-keisatsu) refers to a city-level police force, while 県警察 (ken-keisatsu) refers to a prefectural police force. In Japan, prefectural police are the norm, and they handle policing for all municipalities within the prefecture. Only a few cities, like designated cities (政令指定都市), may have some autonomous police functions, but they still operate under the prefectural police framework. For most practical purposes, 'local police' translates to 警察 or 所轄の警察署.
県警察と市警察の連携が重要です。
Cooperation between prefectural police and municipal police is important.