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There is now a kōban at The Grove where you can go and speak to an officer should you require assistance. The LAPD announced its first, fully-staffed kōban earlier today via a release. The kōban is located at The Grove in front of Bar Verde at Nordstrom.
The Japanese began installing kōbans in the 1870s in order to foster a relationship between police and community members. There are approximately 6,000 of these boxes in Japan, and they typically employ one to 10 officers. Officers will respond to neighborhood issues or emergencies, and will also provide assistance to visitors seeking directions or information. On Japanese maps, kōbans are designated with an "X."
Most Japanese kōbans don't particularly look like British police boxes, but the Los Angeles kōban sort of does. It's gray, however, and not blue, so it probably won't allow you to travel through space and time.
Rick J. Caruso, founder of Caruso Affiliated which owns The Grove, said via a statement:
We have enjoyed a strong relationship and support from the LAPD for years and know that by having a strong police presence at The Grove crime in the greater area around our property has dropped by 40%. So not only is this good for us and the residents and businesses around The Grove, it is a great way to put a personal 'face' on our city's finest with a meaningful way to educate and interact with the public.
We're told that you can request help and even file police reports at the kōban. For right now, the box will be staffed during property hours, though that may change in the future.
