選挙警備 警察の威信挽回なるか 気ままなリライト167
The assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2022 has left a lasting stigma on the police authorities, prompting them to intensify their commitment to VIP protection during election rallies for the House of Representatives, as announced on October 15. Their approach involves implementing multiple security measures to maintain a safe environment while ensuring voters feel free to interact openly with candidates. This reflects the National Police Agency (NPA)’s renewed determination to restore public trust by thwarting malicious forces that resort to violence to safeguard their vested interests.
The National Police Agency (NPA) has adopted a proactive approach to enhance security effectiveness through strategic planning, adaptability, and cross-prefecture coordination. The agency has strengthened its collaboration with prefectural police forces to optimize resources and share intelligence efficiently. Following NPA guidelines, prefectural police have implemented flexible security measures that can be scaled based on comprehensive risk assessments. In major cities and key electoral districts where large crowds are expected, the police deploy additional personnel and resources, while smaller or rural rallies receive fewer officers due to lower perceived risks. For high-profile events, the NPA also ensures the preparation of quick evacuation routes and designated safe zones, allowing for VIP protection without hindering public engagement.
The NPA’s VIP protection strategies incorporate advanced surveillance equipment and 3D technology to cover the large number of rallies held nationwide during elections. CCTV cameras and drones allow law enforcement to monitor the rally venue from multiple angles. Cameras are strategically positioned to cover elevated and rear areas that may be difficult for on-ground personnel to observe. Real-time monitoring systems enable the security team to quickly detect and respond to any suspicious activity within these blind spots. Data and high-resolution images captured from various viewpoints are processed through specialized software to create a 3D model on police terminals. This diorama-like visualization provides an interactive, bird’s-eye view of the venue, allowing officers to zoom in, rotate, and explore different perspectives, enhancing their situational awareness.
The NPA has strengthened its anti-sniper protocols to prevent a repeat of the kind of attack that claimed Shinzo Abe's life, aiming to boost public security without disrupting event attendees. In preparation, buildings and rooftops overlooking rally sites are secured well in advance. Discreet bulletproof shields are placed behind stages and VIP areas, blending seamlessly into the surroundings to provide long-range protection without drawing attention. Security personnel manage venue entry points, conducting thorough but efficient checks for weapons or suspicious items to minimize delays and inconvenience. These measures are designed to prevent potential snipers from mingling with the crowd or accessing elevated vantage points undetected.
The NPA is increasingly concerned about the threat posed by determined actors exploiting illegal items available on the Dark Web. The police authorities foresee scenarios where modified drones could be weaponized by attaching remotely detonated explosives or mounting firearms designed to target specific individuals. To counter this, the NPA is prepared to deploy geofencing technology and radar jamming systems, blocking unauthorized drones from restricted airspace. The agency also remains vigilant against the use of illicitly purchased or homemade weapons, including custom-built rifles designed with dissolvable bullets. In the event of another sniper-led assassination attempt, the NPA’s investigation may face obstacles, as political pressure to maintain national stability might result in the suppression of critical information, leaving the public with partial truths and speculation. Such a scenario could mirror the uncertainty surrounding Robert F. Kennedy’s assassination, with the truth only coming to light much later.