LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Inspired by the Japanese Koban, the
LAPD aims to create a safer city with the first mini police station located at
The Grove.
“A Koban, as Rick stated before, is a small
community-based police station. A very unique space where the community can
come together, where it´s very open, and they can engage with police officers,”
Councilman David Ryu said.
Officials believe that the presence of Kobans in every
neighborhood in Japan could be one of the reasons for the country´s low crime
rate.
Community members showed enthusiastic support for the mini
police station.
“Just their presence is a positive. I love it. I think
it´s a great thing,” one woman said.
The mini police station will provide a safe place for
community members to interact with police officers and report potentially
suspicious activity.
There will be at least two police officers at the Koban
during the day. Community members can seek aid, file reports and interact with
officers.
If successful, Kobans could be seen in different
neighborhoods in the future, officials said.