LAPD unveils mini police station to promote safety within community

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Inspired by the Japanese Koban, the LAPD aims to create a safer city with the first mini police station located at The Grove.

"A Koban, as Rick stated before, is a small community-based police station. A very unique space where the community can come together, where it's very open, and they can engage with police officers," Councilman David Ryu said.

Officials believe that the presence of Kobans in every neighborhood in Japan could be one of the reasons for the country's low crime rate.

Community members showed enthusiastic support for the mini police station.

"Just their presence is a positive. I love it. I think it's a great thing," one woman said.

The mini police station will provide a safe place for community members to interact with police officers and report potentially suspicious activity.

There will be at least two police officers at the Koban during the day. Community members can seek aid, file reports and interact with officers.

If successful, Kobans could be seen in different neighborhoods in the future, officials said.