noun
police box; police call box
A small roadside booth or box with a direct telephone line to the police, used for reporting emergencies or requesting assistance. Similar to a 交番 (kōban) but typically unmanned and used for communication.
See also: 交番
駅前のポリスボックスから警察に電話した。
I called the police from the police box in front of the station.
Variant spelling with an interpunct; less common in everyday use.
交番 is a manned neighborhood police station, while ポリスボックス is an unmanned call box for contacting the police.
Loanword from English 'police box'.