Two major police misconduct cases have emerged in Japan, raising serious concerns about accountability within law enforcement agencies. The incidents involve a high-ranking career officer charged with sexual assault and a widespread traffic violation fraud scheme in Kanagawa Prefecture, both highlighting systemic issues that affect public trust in Japanese police. According to NHK, a career police officer in his 30s from the National Police Agency has been referred to prosecutors for allegedly committing sexual assault against a female acquaintance. The incident occurred last year while the officer was serving as a division chief at the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. On February 20, 2026, the National Police Agency imposed a salary reduction as disciplinary action and subsequently dismissed the officer from his position. Career officers, known as "kyaria" in Japan, are elite police officials who typically graduate from prestigious universities and are fast-tracked into leadership positions, making this case particularly significant. The term "non-consensual indecent act" (不同意わいせつ) used in the charges reflects Japan's updated sexual assault laws, which were reformed in 2023 to better address consent issues. The investigation was conducted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, and the case was forwarded to prosecutors as a summary indictment, as reported by Livedoor News. This procedural approach typically applies to cases where guilt is relatively clear and penalties are expected to be fines rather than imprisonment. Simultaneously, Kanagawa Prefectural Police face a separate scandal involving systematic fraud in traffic violation enforcement. According to NHK, seven officers, including a police sergeant in his 40s, have been referred to prosecutors for repeatedly falsifying traffic violation tickets. The fraudulent practices affected more than 2,700 cases, and authorities have announced plans to refund approximately 35 million yen in traffic fines collected through these improper procedures. The traffic fraud case reveals troubling patterns of misconduct that directly impact residents, including foreign nationals living in Kanagawa Prefecture. Officers allegedly fabricated information on violation notices, raising questions about the accuracy and legitimacy of traffic enforcement procedures. The prefecture's police department is now reviewing all cases involving the implicated officers and has established a process for refunding affected individuals. For expats living in Japan, these cases underscore important considerations about interactions with law enforcement. While Japan generally maintains low crime rates and professional police services, these incidents demonstrate that misconduct can occur at all levels. Foreign residents should be aware of their rights when dealing with police, including the right to request interpreter services and consular notification if detained. The sexual assault case involving a career officer is particularly concerning given the position of trust and authority held by the accused. It highlights ongoing challenges in addressing sexual misconduct in Japanese institutions, where reporting barriers and cultural factors can discourage victims from coming forward. The relatively lenient initial disciplinary response—a salary reduction before dismissal—has drawn criticism from advocates calling for stronger accountability measures. Regarding the Kanagawa traffic fraud, affected drivers should monitor announcements from the prefectural police about refund procedures. Those who paid traffic fines in Kanagawa and suspect irregularities should contact the prefecture's police department for verification. The scandal also raises questions about oversight mechanisms and whether similar practices might exist in other jurisdictions. These cases arrive at a time when Japanese authorities are under increasing pressure to address institutional misconduct and improve transparency. For foreign residents, staying informed about such developments is essential for understanding the legal environment and knowing how to respond if affected by official misconduct. Both cases demonstrate that while Japan's police force maintains generally high standards, no institution is immune to individual or systematic failures requiring vigilant oversight and accountability.