4 Provision of information regarding the release, etc. of inmates

The Ministry of Justice has been providing information, mainly on inmates who committed certain serious offenses, to the National Police Agency as a part of cooperative effort in ensuring that the police can thereby prevent offenses from occurring and rapidly respond if an offense is committed.

Since June, 2005, the wardens of penal institutions have been notifying the National Police Agency of the scheduled date of release, date of admission, and planned residence, etc. of inmates that committed forcible indecency, rape, abduction or kidnapping for the purpose of performing an obscene act, and rape at the scene of a robbery against victims younger than 13, typically one month prior to their scheduled date of release. As of May 31, 2012, the total number of inmates whose information was provided was 1,038 (Source: The Correction Bureau, Ministry of Justice).

In addition, and since September 2005, the Ministry of Justice has been notifying the National Police Agency every month of the (scheduled) date of release, date of admission, and reason for release, etc. of inmates that committed serious offenses such as homicide and robbery, etc. and those who committed burglary theft or drug offenses that can then typically lead to serious offenses taking place. As of May 31, 2012, the total number of inmates whose information was provided was approximately 184,000 (Source: The Correction Bureau, Ministry of Justice).