On the evening of April 18th, Okinawa prefectural police officers, Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki, and U.S. military personnel participated in a patrol of Gate Street, which connects Kadena Air Base to the downtown area. This joint effort was prompted by a recent series of sexual assault incidents involving U.S. military personnel within the prefecture.
The joint patrol involved approximately 120 individuals, including officers from the Okinawa Police Station, city government officials, and U.S. soldiers. They were divided into three groups and patrolled the area for about four hours, from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. This marked the first joint patrol since 1974, two years after the prefecture was returned to Japanese control.
The patrol was initiated in response to a series of sexual assault cases that have come to light since June of the previous year. Last year, the prefectural police identified four such incidents, the highest number in the last decade. In response, the U.S. military stationed in Japan announced plans to conduct joint patrols with Japanese police as a preventative measure.
Under the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), the U.S. authorities typically detain suspects in cases involving U.S. military members, with limited investigative rights for Japanese police. This factor initially made the prefectural police hesitant to involve the U.S. military in joint patrols. However, the April 18th patrol was conducted as a crime prevention measure, and the prefectural police agreed to the U.S. military's participation.
Following the patrol, Governor Tamaki emphasized the importance of cooperation between authorities. A local restaurant owner expressed concerns that the patrol might be ineffective if it was merely symbolic. The city government has expressed a desire to continue the joint patrols, but a specific schedule has not been determined. The U.S. military has also announced plans for a forum to discuss the issue with prefectural officials and local residents, though the forum has not yet been scheduled.
6 Comments
Loubianka
It's frustrating to see so much attention given to patrols instead of meaningful community support for victims.
Katchuka
We can't let the U.S. military off the hook. They need to face serious consequences for their personnel's actions.
Eugene Alta
Joint patrols ignore deeper issues of consent and culture. We need education, not just enforcement.
Loubianka
It’s great to see the U.S. military taking responsibility. This shows they are willing to engage with the community.
Noir Black
We need more than just patrols — we need accountability for the military and better protection and support for the community.
Bermudez
Bringing attention to these issues through joint patrols could lead to more awareness and a reduction in crime.