Translation guide
Refers to police forces organized at the prefectural level in Japan. Unlike national police, prefectural police handle local law enforcement under the oversight of the National Police Agency.
Referring to the police force of a specific prefecture
Standard abbreviation for 'prefectural police' (e.g., 神奈川県警 for Kanagawa Prefectural Police). Used in news and daily conversation.
神奈川県警が捜査している。
The Kanagawa Prefectural Police are investigating.
Used for the police of Osaka and Kyoto prefectures, which are designated as 'fu' (府).
大阪府警が発表した。
The Osaka Prefectural Police announced.
Used specifically for Hokkaido Prefectural Police, as Hokkaido is a 'dō' (道).
北海道警は事件の詳細を明らかにしていない。
The Hokkaido Prefectural Police have not disclosed details of the case.
Using the official, unabbreviated name of a prefectural police force
Formal full name: [Prefecture] Prefectural Police Headquarters. Replace 〇〇 with the prefecture name.
埼玉県警察本部は新たな対策を発表した。
The Saitama Prefectural Police Headquarters announced new measures.
For Osaka/Kyoto: [Prefecture] Prefectural Police Headquarters.
京都府警察本部が記者会見を開いた。
The Kyoto Prefectural Police Headquarters held a press conference.
Talking about the system or concept of prefectural police in general
Collective term for all prefectural police forces. Used in legal or administrative contexts.
都道府県警察は公安委員会の管理下にある。
Prefectural police are under the supervision of public safety commissions.
県警 (prefectural police) refers to the entire prefectural police organization, while 警察署 (police station) is a local station within that organization. Use 県警 when talking about the force as a whole.
県警本部は署に指示を出した。
The prefectural police headquarters issued instructions to the station.
In news and conversation, the abbreviated form (県警, 府警, 道警) is far more common than the full name. Use the full name only in formal documents or when introducing the organization.
Literally 'local police', can refer to prefectural police in contrast to national police. Slightly broader term.
地方警察と国家警察の連携が重要だ。
Cooperation between local police and national police is important.