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.
The Kanagawa Prefectural Police are investigating.
Used for the police of Osaka and Kyoto prefectures, which are designated as 'fu' (府).
The Osaka Prefectural Police announced.
Used specifically for Hokkaido Prefectural Police, as Hokkaido is a 'dō' (道).
The Hokkaido Prefectural Police have not disclosed details of the case.
Using the official, unabbreviated name of a prefectural police force
Talking about the system or concept of prefectural police in general
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.
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.
The Kyoto Prefectural Police Headquarters held a press conference.
Literally 'local police', can refer to prefectural police in contrast to national police. Slightly broader term.
Cooperation between local police and national police is important.