In a story that sounds like it could be straight out of the life story of Frank Serpico, a Shikoku police officer claimed he is being transferred because he exposed how police departments have been systematically misusing public funds for decades.

Earlier this month, police officer Toshiro Semba revealed to reporters of how he had been pressured throughout his career by superiors to fabricate false reports in order to secure public funds illegally. Following his revelations, Semba received word that he had been re-assigned as a dispatcher, a position that does not require carrying of a firearm.

His superiors told him they feared he is a suicide risk or a risk to others if armed. Apparently, the brass think that misuse of the system is the norm, and refusal to go along with the graft is a sign of mental unbalance.

JP