Nara police officers resign after sexual misconduct in facilities

Two police officers in Nara Prefecture have resigned following the discovery that they engaged in sexual activity within police facilities on multiple occasions between August and September. The incident was brought to light after colleagues reported the unusual behavior to superiors. The individuals involved, a female officer in her 20s and a male officer in his teens, both admitted to the conduct, citing an inability to control their impulses.

This incident follows a pattern of similar disciplinary issues within Japanese police departments. In Hyogo Prefecture, a 29-year-old male sergeant and a 21-year-old female officer were disciplined with pay cuts after an extramarital affair involving sexual activity in offices, meeting rooms, and a nearby vehicle was discovered. Additionally, similar misconduct involving the use of police box (koban) breakrooms has been reported in Kanagawa Prefecture.

Nara Prefectural Police officials stated they will strengthen disciplinary education and internal management to prevent recurrence. Critics note that the repeated misuse of public facilities for private purposes risks eroding public trust in law enforcement institutions.