The Metropolitan Police Department (警視庁 Keishichō) serves as the police force for the entire Tokyo metropolis. Founded in 1874, it is headed by a superintendent general, who is appointed by the National Public Safety Commission and approved by the prime minister.

The Metropolitan Police, with a staff of more than 40,000 police officers, manages 109 stations in the prefecture. The number of inhabitants per police officer amounts to 290:1.

The main building of the Keishicho is located in the Kasumigaseki part of central Tokyo. Built in 1980, it is 18 stories tall, a large wedge-shaped building with a cylindrical tower, it is easily seen from the street and a well-known landmark.

External link

• Metropolitan Police Department