要人ようじん警護けいごの警察官けいさつかん 半袖はんそでなど軽装けいそうでの職務しょくむを実施じっしへ 熱中ねっちゅう症しょう対策たいさくで

Police officers in charge of VIP protection, commonly known as SPs, have until now performed their duties in suits even in hot weather. However, in response to heatstroke concerns, the policy has been revised, and they are now allowed to work in lighter clothing such as short sleeves.

It is expected that VIP security will be conducted in plain clothes at venues such as campaign speeches for the House of Councillors election, which will be officially announced on the 3rd.

Police officers responsible for protecting important figures such as the Prime Minister, the presidents of both houses of the Diet, and distinguished guests from abroad visiting Japan are called bodyguards or SPs Security Police, and until now, it has been standard practice for them to perform their duties wearing suit jackets.

In addition to the role of protecting VIPs up close, there is also the responsibility of broadly monitoring the areas around venues visited by VIPs, which sometimes involves working outdoors for long periods of time.

As the number of extremely hot days increases, measures against heatstroke have been considered.

According to the National Police Agency and others, starting in July, police departments across the country will revise their operations to allow officers to wear lighter clothing such as short-sleeved shirts and hats while on duty.

The handguns, handcuffs, batons, and other items that had previously been concealed by jackets can now be stored in pouches worn on the waist, and a total of 400 pouches have been distributed to police departments nationwide.

In the House of Councillors election to be officially announced on the 3rd, dignitary protection is also expected to be carried out at speech venues and other locations across the country. Police nationwide plan to ensure thorough protection and manage officers’ health by implementing new uniform regulations.

At the scene, police bodyguards and riot police officers have already begun wearing sunglasses as a precaution when necessary.