SHIZUOKA (TR) – A former police chief in Numazu City has resigned after being slapped with disciplinary action for a string of power harassment incidents, including threatening to “crush” a subordinate, reports TV Asahi (July 27).
The misconduct centers on a male police superintendent in his 50s who formerly served as the chief of the Numazu Police Station.
According to Shizuoka Prefectural Police, the most recent incident occurred this past April at a local restaurant that serves alcohol. During a meeting meant to exchange opinions on police operations, a staff member proposed changing a business policy.
The chief reportedly became intimidating, telling the subordinate, “I’ll use my various connections to crush [you].”
Prefectural police downplayed the violent phrasing of the threat, claiming that by “crush,” the chief likely meant he would force the operational policy to revert to its original state.
Not the first time
However, investigators revealed this was not an isolated incident. In July of last year, prior to taking the top post at the Numazu station, the superintendent aggressively berated a staff member in front of other colleagues, shouting, “Why was there no report?”
Deeming the behavior a clear case of power harassment, police penalized the superintendent with a one-month pay reduction.
“I was careful with my words and actions, but I feel sorry for the victim,” the disgraced officer said following the punishment. “I also apologize for making those around us uncomfortable.”
The former chief has already stepped down from the force, citing personal reasons.
