National Police Agency chief Setsuo Tanaka told a gathering of officers Wednesday to better support the victims of crime.

Referring to the mishandling of a stalking case by Saitama police that resulted in a female student being stabbed to death last October, he said it is regrettable that the nation's police force has had to face criticism and has lost the public's trust over inconsiderate actions and remarks toward victims.

"We should recognize the importance of appropriate measures in line with public expectations," the NPA chief told the meeting, attended by section chiefs who deal with crime victims.

In the stalking-murder case, the 21-year-old victim, Shiori Ino, was effectively ignored by police when she filed a complaint against a former boyfriend, whom she said had been stalking her.

Saitama police allegedly went on to tamper with official records to make it look like no such complaint had been filed. Ino is believed to have been subsequently murdered by an elder brother of the former boyfriend.

"I want you to realize that support for crime victims is one of the key jobs of the police," Tanaka said.

He also demanded that police adopt a flexible approach toward the needs of society in tackling such problems as stalking and child abuse.

He said it is vital that police directly handle such cases to fully understand the situation and feelings of the victims.