警察官採用試験受験者数は１０年前の半分に…岡山県警察学校を取材　仕事のやりがいは？【岡山】 (25/06/25 18:00)

As labor shortages become a concern in various industries, the police, who ensure the safety and security of local communities, are no exception. A journalist took a trial lesson at the police academy, where students learn the fundamentals of police work, to learn about the rewards and appeal of police work. There are currently approximately 120 students enrolled at the Okayama Prefectural Police Academy, including those in the initial training course. University graduates spend six months, and high school graduates spend ten months, learning the laws and practical skills necessary for police work, and also training in martial arts and other disciplines. In arrest techniques classes, students learn techniques for arresting and subduing criminals by striking them in three places with a practice baton: the shoulder, torso, and trowel. Reporter's experience (Report by Nakanishi Genta) "I thought I was hitting him hard, but the sound was softer than the other students, and it felt like I wasn't using any force at all." (Newcomer) "We train in arrest techniques every day, and although there are tough parts, I feel like I'm improving as I practice." (Newcomer, police questioning) "Are you okay? Do you have your ID?" During on-site response training, police question and rescue officers are asked to protect a person who is drunk and sleeping on the road. (Report by Nakanishi Genta) "Since we were dealing with a drunk person, it was difficult to get my meaning across and communication was difficult." "Thank you for the meal!" Okayama Prefectural Police Academy currently has students ranging in age from 18 to 32. While they come from different backgrounds, they share the common belief of protecting the safety and security of Okayama. (Student) "I want to join the Traffic Division and work to prevent traffic accidents and reduce the number of fatalities from traffic accidents." "I want to use my position as a woman to become a police officer who can help people in whatever way I can." However, the recruitment environment for police officers is becoming increasingly challenging. Due to factors such as the outflow of young people from the prefecture and poorer working conditions compared to private companies, the number of people applying to become police officers is declining year by year. The number of applicants for the 2024 Okayama Prefectural Police Police Officer Recruitment Exam was 425, half the number from 10 years ago. (Mitsuji Murayama, Assistant Section Chief, Police Affairs Division, Okayama Prefectural Police) "Police officers have an important job protecting the lives of every citizen of the prefecture. Some people may have a tough image of it, but saving the lives of our citizens makes the job more rewarding than the challenges." All of this is for the safety and security of the community. Okayama Prefectural Police will begin accepting applications for the 2026 recruitment exam on July 1st.