There
is now a kōban at The Grove where you can go and speak to an officer should you
require assistance.
The
LAPD announced its first, fully-staffed kōban earlier today via a release. The
kōban is located at The Grove in front of Bar Verde at Nordstrom.
The
Japanese began installing kōbans in the 1870s in order to foster a relationship
between police and community members. There are approximately 6,000 of these
boxes in Japan, and they typically employ one to 10 officers. Officers will
respond to neighborhood issues or emergencies, and will also provide assistance
to visitors seeking directions or information. On Japanese maps, kōbans are
designated with an “X.”
Most
Japanese kōbans don´t particularly look like British police boxes, but the Los
Angeles kōban sort of does. It´s gray, however, and not blue, so it probably
won´t allow you to travel through space and time.
Rick
J. Caruso, founder of Caruso Affiliated which owns The Grove, said via a
statement:
“We
have enjoyed a strong relationship and support from the LAPD for years and know
that by having a strong police presence at The Grove crime in the greater area
around our property has dropped by 40%. So not only is this good for us and the
residents and businesses around The Grove, it is a great way to put a personal
´face´ on our city´s finest with a meaningful way to educate and interact with
the public.”
We´re
told that you can request help and even file police reports at the kōban. For
right now, the box will be staffed during property hours, though that may
change in the future.