I have featured many funny articles of Japanese policemen committing stupid acts. So have you ever wondered how many police officers are punished for misconduct every year?

For 2008, Japan’s National Police Agency punished 252 officers and employees mainly for misconduct and criminal acts.

However, it is actually the best figure since they launched the disciplinary campaign in 2000. The figure was down 51 from the previous year.

Among the reasons for punishment, theft, fraud or embezzlement topped the list at 71, followed by traffic violations at 40. Thirty-eight were punished for undermining public trust through drinking or sexual affairs.

By prefecture, Tokyo topped the list with 44 officers and employees of its Metropolitan Police Department punished. Kanagawa followed with 20, Fukuoka with 18, and both Chiba and Osaka were fourth with 15. At the NPA, 14 officers and employees were punished.

Source: JapanToday

I have visited some of the neighbouring ASEAN countries and found their policemen really corrupt. So while I make fun of them from time to time, I think they are still pretty good actually.