shipsbrief

WELCOME toOKINAWA: 

WELCOME to OKINAWA A few thoughts . . .

What will we cover?: 

What will we cover? Drinking and driving Jail time . . . New friends Real life experiences . . . 23 days Criminal jurisdiction SOFA Rights during interrogation Age of consent Gomennasai Logistics Off-limits establishments

Drinking and Driving . . .: 

Drinking and Driving . . . SIMPLE . . . DON’T DO IT!!

A few thoughts . . .: 

A few thoughts . . . First, should you take this seriously . . . Well, a 1st Lt did not . . . And did some drinking and then some driving . . . Got pulled over and blew a .029 . . . While he was pulled over, Japanese law enforcement went thru his bags and found a pocketknife with about a three inch blade . . . What Happened?

Slide5: 

Well, the Japanese can throw you in jail and hold you there for three weeks without pressing charges . . . So the 1st Lt spent three weeks in jail before he was released.

Slide6: 

A nice look at Japanese jail . . . A better close up view of the facilities . . .

Slide7: 

Okay, maybe it wasn’t quite that bad, but your new home will probably look like this

Arguing with the police . . . : 

Arguing with the police . . . Can lead to eating with new friends!

You don’t believe that . . .: 

You don’t believe that . . . Well, a lance corporal didn’t either . . . So he began arguing with the police and then walked away while they were still talking to him . . . He found himself bathing with new friends . . .

Slide10: 

The lance corporal was also held in Japanese jail for over 20 days . . . Charges were never filed in either case. The takeaway is: You can be held for 23 days in Japanese jail before charges need to be filed. So act responsibly!

How is that possible?: 

How is that possible? Japanese Police can hold you for 48 hours, then must present case to Prosecutor’s Office The Prosecutor has 24 hours to decide whether to proceed Prosecutors can request Judge to order your detention The Court can order your detention for 10 days And if the Prosecutor requests an extension, for 10 more days 48 hrs+24 hrs+10 days+10 days=23 days

Slide12: 

What are the drunk driving laws? DUI: Blowing over .03 (but passing the sobriety test) . . . Forced labor up to three years and up to $3,000 fine

Slide13: 

DWI: Failing the sobriety test with .01 or more alcohol in your blood . . . Forced labor up to five years and up to a $10,000 fine. And new friends.

Age of Consent: 

Age of Consent The age of consent is 20 years old in Japan. Sex with an 18 year old can result in a new address. And maybe a new job. Any questions?

Criminal Jurisdiction: 

Criminal Jurisdiction Exclusive Jurisdiction U.S. has exclusive jurisdiction over active duty personnel for violations of UCMJ. Japan has exclusive jurisdiction over violations of Japanese law. Concurrent Jurisdiction Violations by servicemembers which fall under both the UCMJ and Japanese Law, in which case one will have primary jurisdiction

Basics of Primary Jurisdiction: 

Basics of Primary Jurisdiction US primary jurisdiction Crimes against only U.S. Property or U.S. Security Crimes against only SOFA Personnel or their Property Acts committed while performing Official Duties (speeding, traffic accidents) Japanese primary jurisdiction Crimes against Citizens of Japan Assault, rape, murder, public drunkenness, public indecency Crimes against Japanese Property Trespass, larceny, destruction,… Possession of Contraband Drugs, weapons, etc…

Where do these rules come from?: 

Where do these rules come from? The SOFA: The Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) is an agreement between the United States and Japan regarding the legal status of American military and accompanying civilian personnel serving in Japan. The SOFA grants you certain rights . . .

Rights During Interrogation: 

Rights During Interrogation Right to Remain Silent No right to stop questioning No right to counsel during questioning BE COOPERATIVE, BE TRUTHFUL

Japanese Criminal Courts: 

Japanese Criminal Courts Summary Court Misdemeanor offenses-usually results in a fine, but can include jail time. District Court Major/Felony Offenses 100 % Conviction Rate !

Driving in Japan: 

Driving in Japan In Japan, we are Professional Drivers Professional Negligence is a very high standard. Don’t speed! Hit and Run—don’t do it . . . Refer to new friends above . . .

Condolence Calls: 

Condolence Calls Gomennasai: Visit home or business of victim to express sympathy and regret. Usually involves a payment (10,000 yen and up) as a token of one’s remorse in addition to any private settlement for damages. Can make a huge difference on sentencing in a criminal case or during a civil trial. Coordinate through the Legal Office.

Logistics: 

Logistics Use taxicabs with clearly marked “On-base authorized” Navy Federal ATM on White Beach (dollars only) Community Bank ATM inside Port of Call Club (both dollars and yen) Numerous ATMs onboard Kadena Navy Federal Credit Union (full service bank available on Camp Foster Laundry in MWR bldg-phones by Club

Off Limits: 

Off Limits There are two establishments off-limits to all US servicemembers: Naha Music, aka, the Stage, (downtown Naha) and Club Hideaway (BC St near Kadena Gate 2)

Professional Conduct: 

Professional Conduct You are an ambassador to your country, please put your best foot forward. Do not walk around with open alcohol containers. Please be respectful of your host country and it’s people. Remember the golden rule “Do unto others as you would have them to do unto you”.

Remember: 

Remember Poor choices: A new address . . . new friends . . . and a new job . . . Be Responsible

Okinawa: 

Okinawa Welcome again . . . Okinawa is a beautiful island . . . With a little common sense, you can enjoy some of the best the Pacific Islands have to offer and still make it back to your rack! Good luck and Godspeed!