In a recent statement, a deputy inspector from Kanagawa Prefecture’s police force admitted that his leadership in improper traffic violation enforcement was driven by a misguided sense of justice. This comment came following the indictment of seven officers under his command, who were part of a small squad in the Second Traffic Division. These officers, based in Chigasaki, were involved in dubious practices while enforcing traffic violations on major highways. The deputy inspector, who has extensive experience in traffic enforcement, typically held significant sway over his team, even more so than his immediate superior, the squad leader.

This controversy began shortly after the deputy inspector returned to the Second Traffic Division in March 2022. Although he had a clean record in enforcement prior to his return, within two months he was reportedly involved in creating false official reports to fabricate attendance at traffic checkpoints. Such actions included falsifying traffic accident reports, driven by a desire to maximize the number of violations his team could register, which he justified as a means to uphold law and order. He expressed that conducting proper investigations required significant time, which he believed compromised his team's productivity in issuing citations.

The implications of this situation extend beyond one individual’s admission of guilt; they highlight systemic issues within police departments regarding pressure to meet enforcement quotas. With the deputy inspector’s admissions and acts leading to a broader investigation, it raises questions about how traffic enforcement is conducted and the moral and ethical responsibilities of law enforcement officials. This case underscores the critical need for oversight and accountability in policing practices to prevent such misguided actions in the future.