Yomiuri: Mounted patrols back on the beat
Mounted Kyoto prefectural police have increasingly been sent to patrol school zones and commuting routes since the beginning of the year, following an increase in crimes against children. The mounted police had often appeared in parades and at other events. However, amid growing anxiety about deteriorating public safety, the number of patrols had been increased to 47 as of April 30, exceeding the total of 45 the previous year. Of the 113 times the mounted police were used as of April 30, more than 40 percent was for school patrols. The prefectural police had about 50 mounted officers in the early Showa era (1926-1989), but they disappeared after World War II as automobiles came into wide use. The mounted police were revived in February 1994 at an event to commemorate the 1,200th anniversary of the transfer of the national capital to Kyoto. There are only two mounted troops among the nation's police departments, including the Metropolitan Police Department...more...
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