A sample of the "crime and traffic accident information map" is seen displayed on a smartphone in this image provided by Kyoto Prefectural Police. (Icons shown do not correspond to actual incidents or accidents.)

       KYOTO -- The Kyoto Prefectural Police has begun providing an online "crime and traffic accident information map" where users can check information on street crimes, such as robberies and sightings of suspicious persons, as well as traffic accidents occurring in the prefecture.

       The latest map is more convenient than the prefectural police's previous one because it allows users to check whether a crime or accident has occurred in specified areas or routes.

       The prefectural police began providing a map on street crimes in 2014, but its information was limited to a certain area. The new map allows users to freely choose the area where information is displayed, and it also shows data on traffic accidents.

       Keywords can be used to narrow down crime information, such as "children's safety information" or "women's safety information" to check the approximate location of incidents such as approaches by suspicious persons or molestation. Maps filtering by time of day, statistical information and distribution can also be displayed. At present, it reflects data from around this summer.

       According to the Kyoto Prefectural Police, this is the first information map in Japan provided by a prefectural police department that can show crimes and accidents at the same time. Information on the two had been managed in separate systems, but the system update allows for integrated information to be provided.

       The map is accessible from the prefectural police's website via mobile devices, and if users register for the prefectural police's "crime prevention and crime information email" service, they can receive an email with the map's URL attached.

       The prefectural police life safety planning division's crime prevention office is calling on the public to "use the map to help ensure safety and security in everyday life, even though incidents and accidents are declining."

       (Japanese original by Takumi Fujikawa, Kyoto Bureau)

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