Premier Sean Chen today commended law enforcement agencies for their efforts that effectively reduced national crime rates and increased clearance rates in 2012.
At the Executive Yuan's public security meeting, the Ministry of the Interior (MOI) reported that the number of larceny cases last year fell below 100,000—a first in many years. However, incidences of sexual assault, domestic violence and drunk driving are on the rise, indicating a shift in crime patterns. The premier instructed the agencies concerned to toughen response measures.
Meanwhile, Premier Chen asked the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) and the MOI to gather public opinion and study the feasibility of "preventive detention" for drunk drivers, as was suggested by President Ma Ying-jeou. He also directed the MOI to add fire safety to local governments' public security meeting agendas, another move proposed by President Ma January 18 during the Phoenix Award ceremony for firefighters.
The premier pointed out that currently all city and county governments convene public security meetings each month, with 91.26 percent of them being led by magistrates or mayors. But where this percentage drops, crime rates are likely to rise. The premier reminded government heads to take notice.
With Lunar New Year safety operations set to kick off January 31, Chen asked the National Police Agency (NPA) director-general to convey his gratitude to police officers around the country. Last week during a Cabinet meeting, the MOI, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, and other agencies discussed holiday safety preparations including special assistance for the disadvantaged, public security measures, transport for millions going home, sufficient supplies of goods, and smooth financial services.
In drug enforcement efforts, the Investigation Bureau, police and coast guards seized large amounts of illicit drugs in recent days, including 222 kilograms of ketamine at an airport January 17 and 132 kilograms of ketamine in New Taipei City January 22. Praising officials for a job well done, the premier also reminded the Ministry of Education (MOE) to step up anti-drug efforts during the winter break when students have easier access to the substances.
According to the MOI, the numbers of minors committing theft, assault, drug offenses and indecency increased notably in 2012. Some of this increase may be attributed to stronger campus clean-up campaigns in which more students are being apprehended, but the trend is worrisome nevertheless. The premier directed the MOI, the MOE and the MOJ to work with the appropriate agencies to intensify prevention efforts.
The MOI also delivered a report on safety at banking and financial institutions. Since 2006, the NPA has been collaborating with the Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) to boost security measures at the establishments, including upgrading hardware equipment, improving operating procedures and bolstering emergency response capabilities. Bank and armored truck robberies have declined steadily over the years and the clearance rate has topped 90 percent.
Banking safety is central to people's confidence in public safety, said the premier; its importance should not be overlooked and safety measures must be in place at all times. The FSC said it would work more closely with financial institutions to keep banks safe.