The government approved a cabinet order on the 26th to revise the Police Act enforcement order, allowing prefectural police to establish cyber police departments. The order will be promulgated and enforced on the 29th.
Background of establishing cyber police departments
In light of the escalating cyber situation, the aim is to consolidate personnel and investigative information to enhance crackdowns. Each prefectural police will decide on establishment based on local circumstances.
Current cyber-related organization
Currently, most cyber-related sections of prefectural police belong to the Community Safety Bureau, but some have related departments in other bureaus. In April, the National Police Agency instructed all police forces to consider unifying cyber divisions for more advanced and efficient operations.
Content of the revised order
The revised order also stipulates that the Police Affairs Department of prefectural police can handle cyber-related affairs. If a cyber police department is not established, the Police Affairs Department is expected to take charge of cyber matters.
This move is expected to strengthen response capabilities against cybercrime. The National Police Agency encourages flexible system construction according to each prefectural police's situation.
