SAN FRANCISCO -- Chinatown merchants have donated $10,000 to build a koban -- a police booth common in Japan -- for their neighborhood.
The koban will be 6 feet by 6 feet and be 10 feet high, Mark A. Primeau, the police project architect, said, adding it would have lockable wheels so it can be moved easily in Chinatown.
Police Lt. Thomas W. Suttmeier said the booth would 'help create a climate where police are part of the community in Chinatown.'
Mayor Dianne Feinstein became entralled with the idea while on a visit to Japan several years ago and asked Police Chief Frank Jordan to explore the idea for San Francisco.
Jordan contacted Pius Lee, an insurance broker and a director of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, who raised $10,000 from Chinatown merchants.
Suttmeier said the koban would be staffed by police officers, police reserves or public-spirited citizens. He added they would be equipped with portable radios and cellular telephones.
Feinstein said a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the booth would be held on Oct. 1.
