President Lai: Drones to be Gradually Integrated into Police Equipment, Enhancing Operational Skills

(Central News Agency reporter Tsao Ya-yen, New Taipei City, 5th) President Lai Ching-te today inspected the Drone Training Center of the Second Special Police Corps (SPC2), stating that the government will continue to support the National Police Agency (NPA) and the SPC2, including their expansion, transformation, and the implementation of technology-based policing. He said drones will be gradually integrated into standard police equipment, and operational skills will be enhanced.

President Lai, Minister of the Interior Liu Shyh-fang, and NPA Director-General Chang Jung-hsing inspected the NPA's SPC2 Drone Training Center in Xindian District, New Taipei City, in the afternoon. They were accompanied by Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Su Chiao-hui and New Taipei City Councilor Chen Nai-yu. Due to persistent rain, the drone operation demonstration was replaced with a briefing, and the Jingyong Special Operations Team showcased a Close Quarters Battle (CQB) exercise.

President Lai stated that in the face of current geopolitical changes and increasingly serious threats, in addition to increasing the defense budget and strengthening frontline forces to protect the nation and the military, it is also necessary to enhance the police's combat capabilities and implement "technology-based policing."

President Lai praised the SPC2's training results as excellent, saying they have lived up to the heavy responsibilities entrusted to them. He pledged continued support for their expansion, transformation, and recruitment to make the SPC2 a key force capable of counter-terrorism and protecting critical infrastructure, while maintaining the combat readiness of the Jingyong Special Operations Team.

President Lai stated that drones will be provided to the SPC2 and related units. Equipped with drones, police can conduct three-dimensional patrols, transmit images to command centers in real-time, and utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) analysis to enhance mission execution capabilities.

President Lai mentioned that Premier Cho Jung-tai allocated a special budget of NT$21.5 billion last year for drone procurement. Part of this procurement capacity will be transferred to the SPC2 to strengthen the expansion and promotion of drone operators, making drones a standard police tool and enhancing national security.

Minister Liu Shyh-fang stated that the SPC2 has long been responsible for the security of critical infrastructure, including science parks, oil, electricity, sugar, and water facilities. To meet the challenges of the new era, the ministry is actively implementing the corps' expansion and transformation, fully promoting technology-based policing and upgrading physical protection. (Editor: Lee Ming-chung) 1150605