Premier Jiang Yi-huah today thanked police officers for the hard work and long hours they have put in since protests against the cross-strait services agreement broke out over three weeks ago, with many foregoing their days off or pulling extra back-up duty to maintain law and order.
Presiding over an Executive Yuan meeting on public security, Jiang said many of those officers were injured in the line of duty, some even falling ill due to exhaustion. The premier was particularly saddened by these incidents and expressed his deep appreciation to National Police Agency (NPA) Director-General Wang Cho-chiun and the entire police force for all their sacrifice.
The premier also reminded police and prosecutors that, to maintain the nation's dignity and the rule of law, confrontations with protesters and subsequent investigation and prosecution cases must be dealt with in full accordance with the law and in the spirit of fairness and justice. As for allegations that some officers overreacted and used excessive force to dispel protesters from the Executive Yuan, the premier asked the NPA to conduct a thorough review of that night's events.
During today's meeting, the Ministry of the Interior (MOI) reported on the general state of crime and security in Taiwan. Although the first two months of 2014 saw 7.25 percent more criminal cases as compared with the same period last year, the rate of increase is slowing with 28.13 percent fewer cases this February than in January. The numbers of violent crimes and thefts have declined while their clearance rates have risen, demonstrating that government efforts to maintain public safety are paying off. The premier reminded the MOI to continue monitoring major indices on crime and safety and to adjust response strategies accordingly.
The premier pointed out that police solved more gambling cases this year than the same period last year, most likely because of heightened crackdowns during the Lunar New Year period. And with the start of Taiwan's professional baseball season on March 22 amid concerns of gambling and game-fixing, the premier directed the Ministry of Justice and NPA to see to it that their subordinate agencies implement preventive measures and facilitate the wholesome development of domestic professional baseball.
Also at the meeting, Kaohsiung City Government reported on the installation of video surveillance systems in the Greater Kaohsiung area, combining systems separately operated by the former county and city governments before their merger. The premier lauded the program for using information and communications technology to link the city's road intersections, as the videos have been helpful in combating crime, controlling traffic, aiding disaster relief, and recovering lost items. For this initiative, the city was honored with the Executive Yuan's government service quality award in 2013.
As a technological tool for crime solving, video surveillance systems can keep the public safe, the premier said. Other cities and counties would do well to learn from Kaohsiung City's experiences with funding, installing and maintaining the system. Jiang asked the NPA to survey demands for video surveillance by other local governments, help them implement the systems, and arrange visits to Kaohsiung City for a closer look if necessary.
On the topic of anti-narcotics efforts, the MOI delivered a report on recent prevention strategies and implementation results. Jiang said drugs are a major driver of crime and asked law enforcement authorities to plan better ways of minimizing the harmful effects of drugs on public safety.
Over the past decade, the numbers of cases and persons involving Schedule I drugs have decreased significantly, but Schedule II drug use has ballooned with 127.65 percent more cases and on 93.7 percent more individuals. And following the November 2009 enactment of administrative penalties for Schedule III and IV drugs, the number of persons penalized for using such drugs more than tripled in 2013 from 8,654 persons in 2010. Noting these changing drug use patterns, Jiang directed prosecutors, police, investigators, military police and the coast guard to adapt their anti-narcotic strategies and to continue strengthening their efforts in preventing the spread of drugs.
Jiang said the five major tasks in anti-narcotic operations are surveillance, prevention, collaboration, rehabilitation and international participation. He asked the MOI and NPA to work proactively on these tasks and to strengthen their collaborations with the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Foreign Affairs to rid the country of narcotics.