Japan's volunteer parole officer program, "hogoshi," aids low crime rates but faces challenges with an aging volunteer base.

Japan's volunteer parole officers, known as "hogoshi," numbering around 47,000, play a key role in the country's low crime rate. These unpaid volunteers, often older citizens, assist in rehabilitating ex-offenders, sometimes by visiting them at home. The program faces challenges due to the aging volunteer base and recent safety concerns. Despite this, it has inspired similar initiatives in other countries, though its adoption in Western nations remains uncertain due to differing criminal justice philosophies.

2 months ago
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