Starting from the fiscal year 2026, the Hyogo Prefectural Police will abolish the essay component in their recruitment exams, becoming the first in the nation to do so. This decision comes as the number of applicants has significantly decreased, with the competition ratio dropping from 13.4 times in 2003 to just 3 times in 2024. The police aim to attract more candidates by lowering the hurdles to application, particularly in light of increasing recruitment from private companies and a general decline in birth rates.

The essay test, which required candidates to write on topics like their motivation for wanting to become police officers, has been deemed too challenging for many applicants who may prioritize better preparation for careers in the private sector over police work. The Hyogo police officials indicated that the skills tested through the essays, such as writing ability necessary for making police reports, can be developed during police training and field experiences. As a replacement for the essay, candidates will now write a personal statement in about ten minutes.

Current police officers have expressed mixed feelings about the abolition of the essay requirement. Some believe that strong interpersonal skills and human qualities are more critical for police work than mere writing ability. However, there are concerns that the introduction of a more inclusive approach in recruitment should not imply leniency in standards. Beginning in 2026, the police will also establish a new recruitment division aimed at third-year university students, which will utilize aptitude tests more commonly used in the private sector to streamline the selection process further.