Japanese-style community policing based on police boxes is spreading abroad, and from February 24 to 26, 2026, JICA, together with the Guatemalan National Civilian Police (PNC), held a three-day International Seminar on Community Policing in Guatemala City, Guatemala. The seminar brought together police officials from six countries (Guatemala, Japan, Brazil, Colombia, Honduras, and Indonesia) and provided a valuable opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences and lessons learned regarding community policing.
Lecture by Colombian police officer
The opening ceremony of the seminar for senior PNC officials on March 26 included opening remarks by JICA Director Kobayashi, Guatemalan Minister of Interior, PNC Secretary, Brazilian Embassy Counselor, and JPO Director Yamada, followed by a lively exchange of views among police representatives from various countries on the history and activities of local police. The participants also exchanged views and opinions on the history and activities of local police. Many participants mentioned that community policing activities have improved the image of the police among local residents, enhanced community patrols by improving the awareness of police officers, and improved crime prevention capabilities by improving relations between residents and the police.
Greetings from JICA Director Kobayashi
Presentation by Mr. Yamada, Director, International Cooperation Office, National Police Agency
Business travelers from the Japan National Police Agency, the Indonesian Police, and JICA (Governance and Peacebuilding Department, Tokyo Center) also visited PNC headquarters and police stations. They also participated in community cleanup activities undertaken by police officers and residents, and were able to deepen exchanges with Guatemalan citizens.
Courtesy to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of PNC
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