Japan Shifts From 24/7 Police Outposts as Crimes Turn Cyber

Japan is shifting away from its practice of stationing police officers at neighborhood outposts around the clock as a shrinking population and rise in cybercrime makes it consider better uses of law enforcement resources.

“Koban,” as the ubiquitous outposts are called, have been credited with helping make the country one of the world’s safest. Officers posted there fulfill duties ranging from responding to emergencies, giving directions and handling lost-and-found items.

A koban outpost outside the Yokohama station,

Photographer: Richard A. Brooks/AFP/Getty Images

The National Police Agency rolled out changes to its koban policy on Friday, saying they no longer need to be staffed 24 hours a day if the local ...