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53-654: The M1500 followed the Howa Golden Bear hunting rifle that Howa Industries manufactured previously. Howa used the Weatherby Mark V - which was manufactured by Howa Industries on an OEM basis - as the reference. However, whereas Mark V's bolt opening / closing angle is 54 degrees narrow, the M1500 uses the more general 90 degree opening / closing angle. The M1500 is one of three large-calibre bolt-action rifles produced in Japan, and

106-535: A police authority and operational units: Prefectural Public Safety Commissions (PPSC) and Prefectural Police Headquarters (PPH). Prefectural Public Safety Commissions ( 都道府県公安委員会 , todōfuken kōan īnkai ) are administrative committees established under the jurisdiction of prefectural governors to provide citizen oversight for police activities. A committee consists of three members in an ordinary prefecture and five members in urban prefectures. The members of prefectural public safety commission are appointed by

159-655: A general affairs department ( 総務部 , sōmu-bu ) and a community police department ( 地域部 , chiiki-bu ) . There are some 289,000 police officers nationwide, about 97% of whom were affiliated with Prefectural Police Headquarters. In the Japanese police, community policing is treated as being close to crime prevention , and in rural prefectural police, community safety departments in charge of crime prevention sometimes concurrently handle community policing. Community policing officers are organised into several police stations ( 警察署 , Keisatsu-sho ) . Each station includes

212-523: A maker will choose and attach its own gunstock to Howa's barreled actions, and then sell it under their own brand. Weatherby Vanguard is such an example. Previously, Smith & Wesson , O.F. Mossberg & Sons and Inter-Arms sold them as the M1500. Currently in the United States, Legacy Sports International, a firearms manufacturer and distributor in Reno, Nevada, markets and sells bolt-action rifles that use

265-690: A new type of a hunting rifle in order to meet the demand for large-caliber bolt-action rifles in Japan. During the development, the designers used the Finnish SAKO L61R "Finnbear" as the basis of the design. In 1967, Howa introduced the Howa Golden Bear large-caliber rifle at the US Open rifle exhibition in Chicago, USA. At the time, it was the only large caliber hunting rifle available domestically in Japan. Approximately 3000 golden bear rifles were sold to

318-463: A new uniform was adopted. The jacket became the turned-down collar style with three buttons, and the vent was done away with. Also, at this time, the summer clothes became grey, but in 1968 it was changed to greyish blue. On 1 April 1994, current uniform design was adopted across all of Japan. Through the campaign against the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security Between the United States and Japan at

371-562: A response to these problems, complete restructuring created a more centralized system under the 1954 amended Police Law ( 警察法 , Keisatsu-hō ) . All operational units except for the Imperial Guard were reorganized into the prefectural police departments for each prefecture and the National Police Agency was established as the central coordinating agency for these police departments. Each prefectural police department comprises

424-770: A scope. When the Setouchi Seajacking incident occurred in 1970, the Osaka Prefectural Police Special Gun Corps (currently the Anti-Firearms Squadron ) sniper took down the criminal with a Golden Bear rifle, allowing other officers to rescue the hostages. The Golden Bear is also said to have used the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department 's Special Squadron (now the SAT ). According to Megumi Tsukiji of Far East Gun Sales,

477-529: A scope. In 1985, at the request of Mossberg , the M1550, which was based on the M1500 and had a 5-box magazine specification from the beginning, was additionally sold, but both are now discontinued. In addition, among the models sold overseas, if a defect in the rifle's bolt is detected, Howa will provide a new bolt, free of charge, for the target serial number. The M1500, while being comparatively low priced compared to other overseas models, has been judged to have all

530-558: Is also used by the Azov Battalion . Howa Golden Bear Howa Golden Bear is a bolt-action rifle that was manufactured by Howa Industries in the past. Howa Industries established its firearms manufacturing plant in 1960 after World War II. In the same year, Howa released the M300 as a hunting gun for domestic markets. Soon after releasing the Howa M300, the company began working on

583-488: Is also utilized by Japan Coast Guard . However, on the ocean, it is said that the Howa Type 64 designated marksman rifles that is easier to fire faster than M1500 are used more frequently. The Armed Forces of Ukraine 's 3rd Special Purpose Regiment (Kropyvnytskyi) has adopted a type called "Hogue 20" as a sniper rifle. The ammunition used is .308 Winchester ammunition, and the mount has been changed to Picatinny Rail . It

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636-543: Is option for removable box magazine for Model 1500 as well. These magazines come with 5- and 10-round capacity. Barrels are chromoly , not chrome-lined as seen on arms of the Type 64 rifle. Barrels are offered in both sporting length, weight and profile as well as Varmint length and weight. All guns circulating within Japan undergo fire-testing at the Toyokazu Company, and every new rifle has its paper test target enclosed with

689-512: Is sold as Howa's representative rifle not only in Japan, but throughout the world. The others are the Browning AB3 and X-Bolt platforms, produced by Miroku, located in Kochi, Japan. The rifle has a Mauser type one-piece structure, cock-on opening. The trigger is a two-stage trigger that enhances precision shooting. In 2011, a new two-stage trigger system called HACT (Howa Actuator Controlled Trigger)

742-915: Is the Remington 158 grain lead round nose. And some elite detectives, bodyguards, or counter-terrorism units such as the Special Assault Team being equipped with 9×19mm Parabellum  calibre semi-automatic pistols such as the Heckler & Koch USP . From sometime in the 1970s, the Special Armed Police (ancestor of the Special Assault Team of the TMPD) introduced Heckler & Koch MP5A5/SD6/K submachine guns. From 2002, local counter-terrorism units (anti-firearms squads) were started to be equipped with MP5F, and there are also assault rifles in

795-615: Is very similar to its parent weapon, the Sako L61R "Finnbear". Despite being designed for hunting, the Golden Bear was adopted by elements within Japanese law-enforcement. Based on the lessons learned from the Kin Kiro Incident in 1968, the National Police Agency deployed a Golden Bear rifles to the prefectural police as equipment for taking down criminals and rescuing hostages . Additionally, all police Golden Bear rifles came with

848-585: The Honda NSX , Subaru Impreza , Subaru Legacy , Mitsubishi Lancer , Nissan Skyline , Mazda RX-7 , and Nissan Fairlady Z are all used in various prefectures for highway patrols and pursuit uses. With the exception of unmarked vehicles, all PPHs vehicles are painted and marked in the same ways. Ordinary police vehicles are painted black and white with the upper parts of the vehicle painted white. Motorcycles are usually all white. Vehicles for riot police units are painted blue and white, and especially vehicles for

901-669: The Howa M1500 . In the Special Assault Teams , Heckler & Koch PSG1 and L96A1 also been deployed. For Japanese police, service pistols are generally left at work when they are not on duty. In Japan , there are about 40,000 police vehicles nationwide with the most common patrol cruisers being Toyota Crowns , Subaru Legacys and similar large sedans, although small compact and micro "keI" cars are used by rural police boxes and in city centers where they are much more maneuverable. Pursuit vehicles depend on prefectures with

954-622: The Japan Coast Guard is in charge of law enforcement outside ports, police watercraft are primarily used to patrol ports and rivers , though they are sometimes also used to assist land-based units or patrol islands. All Prefectural Police Headquarters, except for the Hokkaidō Prefectural Police Department (due to the prefecture's large size) and the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department (due to

1007-730: The governor with the consent of the prefectural assembly. In Tokyo , the Prefectural Police Headquarters ( 警察本部 , keisatsu-honbu ) specifically refers to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department ( 警視庁 , Keishi-chō , TMPD) . Also, Hokkaido Prefectural Police Headquarters is known as dō-keisatsu-honbu ( 道警察本部 ) , and those in Ōsaka and Kyoto Prefectures are known as fu-keisatsu-honbu ( 府警察本部 ) , and are distinguished from other Prefectural Police Headquarters ( 県警察本部 , ken-keisatsu-honbu ) . The Chiefs of Prefectural police headquarters ( 警察本部長 , keisatsu-honbu-chō ) are appointed officials at

1060-483: The 1960s, procurement began to migrate to the domestic Minebea "New Nambu" M60 . When the production of the M60 was completed in the 1990s, deployment of small semi-automatic pistols was considered, but this plan was abandoned after small numbers of SIG Sauer P230 were deployed. Finally, imports from the United States were resumed, with S&W M37 and M360 revolvers having been purchased for uniformed officers. Their duty ammo

1113-576: The Allied Powers suggested them to be equipped with firearms. Because of the insufficient stocks and lack of domestically produced handguns, Japanese police started to receive service pistols leased from the Allies from 1949, and by 1951, all officers were issued pistols. In the beginning, the makes and models of these sidearms varied, but M1911 pistols and M1917 revolvers , Smith & Wesson Military & Police and Colt Official Police were issued as

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1166-570: The Golden Bear used by the Japanese police was chambered in .30-06 Springfield and equipped with an Bushnell Corporation 3-9 scope with magnification. Prefectural police department In the law enforcement system in Japan , prefectural police ( 都道府県警察 , todōfuken-keisatsu ) are prefecture -level law enforcement agencies responsible for policing , law enforcement , and public security within their respective prefectures of Japan . Although prefectural police are, in principle, regarded as municipal police , they are mostly under

1219-494: The Howa 1500 was the third best-selling bolt-action rifle in the United States. The M1500 was originally a hunting rifle, but Prefectural police departments in Japan have adopted them as sniper rifles. This model was designated "Heavy Barrel." Heavy barreled "Varmint" or colloquially, "Sniper" rifles are fitted with longer, heavier barrels to increase projectile velocity, resist heat soak, and provide more repeatable shots. In addition,

1272-558: The Howa M1500 barreled action. Their latest rifle to use the Howa M1500 barreled action is the HCR (Howa Chassis Rifle) which accepts some AR-15 components For overseas specifications, the M1500 standard 24-inch (about 60 cm) barrel was shortened to 22 inches (about 56 cm) in 1982, and the M1700LS was made lighter by omitting iron sights like the heavy barrel on the assumption that it would be used in

1325-521: The Japanese police stipulate that equipment other than pistols are referred to as special guns, and the ordnance name of M1500 is Special Gun Type-I (特殊銃I型, Tokusyu jū I-gata). The Police M1500 has a wooden stock with a bipod and a scoped sight. In addition to the police, M1500 are also introduced in the Special Assault Team , Special Security Team , anti-firearms squad , and the Fukui Prefectural Police 's Nuclear Special Guard Unit . It

1378-469: The National Rural Police ( 国家地方警察 , Kokka Chihō Keisatsu ) was responsible for smaller towns, villages and rural areas. However, most Japanese municipalities were too small to have an effectively large police force, so sometimes they were unable to deal with large-scale violence. In addition, excessive fragmentation of the police organisation reduced the efficiency of police activities. As

1431-701: The Police Affairs Bureau ( 警保局 , Keiho-kyoku ) of the Home Ministry at their core. After the surrender of Japan , the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers regarded this centralized police system as undemocratic. During the occupation of Japan , the principle of decentralisation was introduced by the 1947 Police Law ( 警察法 , Keisatsu-hō ) (now commonly referred to as "Old Police Law"). Cities and large towns had their own municipal police services ( 自治体警察 , jichitai keisatsu ) , and

1484-699: The Rescue Squads of the TMPD are painted green and white. In Japan, the deployment of police helicopters began in 1960. They are extensively used for traffic reporting , searches for suspects, search and rescue , airlift , and other missions. Approximately 80 police helicopters are operated nationwide. Some helicopters are equipped with stabilised TV camera and microwave link systems. Police watercraft of Japan are divided into five groups: 23-meter type, 20-meter type, 17-meter type, 12-meter type, 8-meter type. As of 2014, 159 vessels are deployed nationwide. Since

1537-570: The SAT and urban AFS units. Tactical units of crime branches ( Special Investigation Team of the TMPD, for example) also introduced a semi-automatic pistol-caliber carbine variant of MP5K (unofficially called the MP5SFK). Initially, the sniper team was established in the 1960s, the Howa Golden Bear (original model of the Weatherby Vanguard ) has been used as a sniper rifle, then, it has been updated to

1590-419: The TMPD and some prefectures), a mobile investigation unit, and an identification division ( 鑑識課 , kanshiki-ka ) . The mobile investigation units ( 機動捜査隊 , kidō sousa-tai ) are first responders for initial criminal investigations, distributed among the region with unmarked cars . The special investigation teams ( 特殊事件捜査係 , tokushu-jiken sousa-kakari ) are specialised detective units of

1643-468: The United States and passed every test at the renowned HP White Laboratory, one of the world's most renowned firearms testing facilities. Following the launch of the weapon, Howa gained popularity and acceptability in the American market. The Golden Bear was launched in Japan and the United States in 1967, and the export specification grades were three types: deluxe, presentation, and medallion. In Japan, only

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1696-462: The administration of the police radio networks, they provide inter-regional patrol units and air support: automobile patrols ( 自動車警ら隊 , jidōsha-keira-tai ) and a police aviation unit ( 警察航空隊 , keisatsu-kōku-tai ) , and many other assets. Originally traffic policing was mainly done by community policing officers. However, with the progress of motorization since the 1950s, traffic accidents have increased dramatically, resulting in

1749-557: The affairs of the security departments. The Special Assault Teams ( 特殊急襲部隊 , Tokushu Kyūshū Butai ) are the national-level units and Anti-Firearms Squads ( 銃器対策部隊 , Jūki-taisaku-butai ) are the local units. These units are established within the RPU basically, but the SAT of the TMPD and Osaka PPH are under direct control of their Security Bureau (TMPD) or Department (Osaka PPH). Police officers are divided into nine ranks: The National Police Agency Commissioner General holds

1802-495: The central oversight and control of the National Police Agency . As of 2020, the total strength of the prefectural police is approximately 260,000 sworn officers and 28,400 civilian staff, a total of 288,400 employees. In the Empire of Japan , territorial police forces were organised as departments of police of each prefectural offices ( 府県警察部 , fuken-keisatsu-bu ) . They were placed under complete centralized control, with

1855-586: The delicacy and robustness one would expect from Japanese engineering. In a live-fire test by overseas enthusiasts, a video showing that succeeful sniping of an empty can from 800 yards (730 meters) away was released. Spare parts have also sold fairly well, however starting with the incursion of Remington into the Japanese domestic market, foreign companies with stronger brand recognition and more competitive prices have caused M1500 sales to become sluggish. For this reason, more than 95% of Howa's M1500 are produced in stripped down form for overseas export. In March 2020,

1908-558: The deluxe model was sold. In the United States, the Howa rifles were sold by Dickson Roses company as "Dickson-Howa Golden Bear". Also in the US Market, Weatherby , which had business connections with Howa, also sold Howa rifles ( OEM ) under the name of Weatherby Vanguard . In 1979, an updated design/model of the Howa Golden Bear, the M1500 were introduced, with the older Golden Bear model becoming discontinued in same year. Howa Golden Bear

1961-534: The end of the 1960s, helmets and protective gear for riot police officers were improved. On the other hand, general police officers were wearing blade-deflecting vests under uniforms so that they would not be noticeable, but since 2005, a strong stab vest to overlay on the uniform was adopted. And in the case of gun violence , bulletproof vests and helmets are also equipped. Ordinary police officers, riot police officers, SWAT detectives, and counter-terrorism operators use different vests of different standards. In

2014-634: The establishment of the 1954 amended Police Law, these departments are supervised by the Criminal Affairs Bureau of the National Police Agency . Criminal investigation departments or criminal investigation bureaus maintain two investigation divisions ( 捜査課 , sousa-ka ) (third or even fourth divisions are established in some urban prefecture), an organised crime investigation division ( 組織犯罪対策課 , soshikihanzai-taisaku-ka ) (reinforced as an independent department or headquarters in

2067-787: The expressway advanced, the establishment of the Expressway Traffic Police Units ( 高速道路交通警察隊 , Kōsoku-dōro kōtsu-keisatsu-tai ) was also decided in 1971. In the Empire of Japan , the criminal investigation was presided over by prosecutors , like the ministère public does in French law . With the 1947 Police Law ( ja ) and the 1948 Code of Criminal Procedure ( ja ), the responsibility of investigation has been defined to be uniquely assigned to police officers. In order to fulfil this responsibility, criminal investigation departments or criminal investigation bureaus ( judiciary police ) were set up in each police organisation. After

2120-571: The firearm. There are two main products for the Japanese market. The Deluxe model fitted with open sights and the sightless varmint-hunting model, known as the "Heavy Barrel". Both versions are available either blued or in stainless steel, for a total of four models on sale, independent of caliber. Short action and long action calibers are available including, but not limited to .22-250 Remington , .223 Remington , .204 Ruger , 6.5×55mm Swedish , .300 Winchester Magnum , .308 Winchester , .30-06 Springfield , .338 Winchester Magnum , and .375 Ruger , so

2173-436: The first investigation divisions, well acquainted with new technology and special tactics including tactical capabilities. They are mandated for critical incidents except for terrorism, but in some rural but well-versed prefectural police like Aomori Prefectural Police , these detectives can form a counterterrorism task force together with uniformed officers and riot specialists. In the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department,

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2226-422: The following sections: Officers of the community police affairs sections are distributed in their jurisdictions, working at police boxes ( 交番 , Kōban ) , residential police boxes ( 駐在所 , Chūzai-sho ) , radio mobile patrols, etc. These community policing officers are supported by the community police department or the community safety department of the prefectural police headquarters. In addition to

2279-598: The highest position of the Japanese police . His title is not a rank, but rather denotes his position as head of the NPA. On the other hand, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department Superintendent General represents not only the highest rank in the system but also assignment as head of the TMPD. In the pre- war period, police officers wore jackets with a stand-up collar. In 1946, the jacket

2332-464: The jurisdiction for public security policing is divided into the Public Security Bureau ( 公安部 , Kōan-bu ) and Security Bureau ( 警備部 , Keibi-bu ) , being responsible for investigation activities and security forces operations, respectively. In other PPHs, their security departments are in charge of all public security policing matters; but in the departments, they are divided in

2385-613: The mostly standard sidearms. The .38 calibre revolvers were well-received, but .45 calibre handguns were too large to carry for somewhat small officers, especially women . And M1917 revolvers in particular were obsolete, deteriorated significantly, and so malfunction or reduced accuracy had been a problem. As a response to these issues, the National Rural Police Headquarters started to import small .38 Special  calibre revolvers such as Smith & Wesson Chiefs Special and Colt Detective Special . During

2438-498: The national budget even if they belong to local police departments. Designation and dismissal of these high-ranking officers are delegated to the National Public Safety Commission . Each Prefectural police headquarters contains administrative departments (bureaus in the TMPD) corresponding to those of the bureaus of the National Police Agency as follows: In addition, urban prefectural police departments comprise

2491-524: The pre-war period, most Japanese law enforcement officials only had a sabre . Only some elite detectives , bodyguards , or tactical units such as the Emergency Service Unit of the TMPD were issued pistols. The FN Model 1910 or Colt Model 1903 were used for open-carry uses, and Colt Model 1908 Vest Pocket or FN M1905 for concealed carry . During the Occupation , the Supreme Commander for

2544-596: The same way as they are done by the MPD. They are supervised by the Security Bureau of the National Police Agency . Within their security departments or bureaus, each PPH maintains Riot Police Units ( 機動隊 , kidō-tai ) , which serve as a rapid reaction force capable of fulfilling riot police , police tactical unit , and search and rescue roles. Full-time riot police can also be augmented by regular police trained in riot duties. Counterterrorism operations are also

2597-458: The so-called traffic war , the system of traffic police was also strengthened. From the mid-1960s, mobile patrol units were installed at several PPHs, and in 1972 they were installed at all traffic departments of the PPHs as Mobile Traffic Units ( 交通機動隊 , Kōtsu-kidō-tai ) . Traffic cars (including unmarked cars ) and police motorcycles are deployed in these units. And as the development of

2650-496: The top of the chain of command in each Prefectural Police Headquarters. In the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, the name of Superintendent General ( 警視総監 , Keishi-sōkan ) is used. These police departments are responsible for every police actions within their jurisdiction in principle, but most important activities are regulated by the National Police Agency . Police officers whose rank are higher than assistant commissioner ( 警視正 , keishi-sei ) are salaried by

2703-411: The user can freely choose to suit his purpose. In 2015, Howa introduced the "mini action" for .223 Remington , 7.62x39 , and 6.5 mm Grendel . Since introduction of mini-action, in certain markets, short action is now called "standard action". For foreign exports, the barreled action with trigger mechanism are also supplied in a stripped-down form to various small arms manufacturers. It is common that

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2756-426: Was changed to four-buttons, open-collar style with vent and in 1950, a new police duty belt to wear gun and baton was adopted. But at this point, the uniforms of the National Rural Police and the municipal police differed in details. During a reorganization in 1954, uniforms were to be unified across the country, but because that would take time, only the class chapter was unified at this time. After that, in 1956,

2809-414: Was introduced. The safety device is relatively rudimentary and locks the trigger with a US patented three-position system that has a safety position where only the trigger is locked and a safety position where the bolt is locked at the same time as the trigger. The internal magazine can hold 3–5 rounds, loaded through the open action, similar to the Type 38 infantry rifle. For models sold overseas, there

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