Volunteer Parole Officers

They are the tens of thousands of volunteers that comprise the backbone of Japan's parole system. The idea behind the position is that if someone is seen to care about the well being of a newly released prisoner, they'll be moved to improve their lives and less likely to return to prison. Unlike parole officers in the US, they are seen as "supporting neighbors"¹ instead of monitors. The few official (paid) parole officers train the volunteers and help make arrangements.

How Does the System Work?

The parolee must show remorse for their crimes and must be willing to start over in order to be considered for the program.
The requirements are simple—to be respected in the community and be financially stable. Each volunteer's caseload is light and on average only 1-2 parolees. VPOs help their charges by meeting with them often in their homes for a meal, helping them find jobs and places to live, listening to and encouraging them, recognizing their efforts (as returning to society can be challenging), reconnecting them with their families, and being available to help when needed (even nights and holidays). Volunteers are reimbursed for expenses involving their duties.

Volunteers

Most VPOs are men over the age of 50. They come from a variety of backgrounds from fishermen to teachers to retirees. Volunteers can be appointed until they reach the age of 76.

The Situation In Nonogawa

Nonogawa is too small a town to have a half-way house. And despite there being unoccupied houses due to migration to larger cities, rental openings are rare. So, VPOs may take in their parolees. The crime rate here had been exceptionally low until neighboring towns started to see an increase in gang related activities, which spilled over into Nonogawa. The townsfolk are wary of anyone who's been involved in a crime, which makes a VPOs job difficult—particularly in finding a job for the parolee.

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References

1 Hogoshi (Volunteer Parole Officers) Pamphlet

2 Excerpt from Japan's Parole Models

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Type

Civic, Law

Creation

Volunteer Probation Officers Act (1950)

Alternative Names

Hogoshi or VPOs

Length of Term

2 years, though many are reappointed for multiple terms

Symbols Used with the VPO Program²

A tree based off the 生 (Ikiru) kanji, which means to live. "...this sign expresses an image that people

are to live towards the future as if trees' buds grow."

The 'Yellow Feather of Happiness' - a symbol of 'amicable cooperation' used throughout Japan.

Feather by Freepik (Modified by AWV)

Two adorable penguin mascots