President Lai Attends Police Day Celebration: Zero Tolerance for Drug-Driving Crimes

With Police Day approaching on June 15, the National Police Agency held the '115th Police Day Celebration' this afternoon at Taipei Main Station. President Lai Qingde, Premier Cho Jung-tai, Minister of the Interior Liu Shih-fang, and National Police Agency Director-General Chang Jung-hsing attended the event, where 29 National Model Police officers and 15 senior outstanding police personnel were honored with awards.

President Lai stated in his speech that every police officer is a guardian of the people, expressing heartfelt respect on behalf of the government and the entire nation, and thanking the families of officers for their support, which allows police to serve on the front lines without worry.

He noted that Taiwan's violent crime rate has steadily declined over the past decade. However, to respond to rapidly evolving crime patterns, continuous support for police is essential. This includes accelerating the enhancement of technological enforcement capabilities, improving anti-violence systems, and upgrading personal equipment. The government will procure tactical bulletproof vests and tactical holsters to comprehensively improve officers' safety gear and ensure their safety during duty.

To better reflect the intensity, risks, and professionalism of police work, the government raised criminal duty allowances and hardship duty allowances starting in March. The hardship allowance increase now applies not only to municipalities but also extends to 13 non-municipal counties on the main island, aiming to boost police morale.

Regarding recent drug-driving incidents, President Lai emphasized a zero-tolerance approach with strict law enforcement. Premier Cho proposed 14 measures last week across three areas: deterring at the source, strengthening investigations, and imposing harsher penalties. These include classifying etomidate as a Category 1 controlled substance, with manufacturing, transporting, or selling punishable by death.

The government will also push for legal amendments to impose administrative penalties on electronic cigarette possession and add confiscation provisions. For drug-driving offenses, in addition to license revocation, vehicles will be confiscated, and both administrative penalties and statutory sentencing will be significantly increased.

President Lai stressed the need for strict enforcement with zero tolerance for drug-driving, continuous source tracing and eradication, and full efforts to combat drug crimes, ensuring citizens can safely return home.

Premier Cho expressed appreciation for public recognition of judicial and crime prevention efforts but voiced sorrow over ongoing drug-driving incidents, including the case of a police station chief in Changhua who suffered leg fractures after being hit by a drug-impaired driver. He emphasized that the judicial system must serve as the strongest protective barrier behind every officer.

The Executive Yuan approved related legal amendments today, mandating harsher penalties for drug-driving causing death, injury, or repeat offenses, and strengthening penalties for electronic cigarette possession. A comprehensive, multi-pronged anti-crime strategy is being implemented to demonstrate the government’s determination to maintain public safety.

Chen Chien-wen, a female officer from Taipei City’s Zhongzheng First Police Station who passed away postpartum, was selected as a National Model Police officer. Her family accepted the award on her behalf, and the President offered condolences and support.

According to the National Police Agency, this year’s event broke from tradition by combining an 'awards ceremony' with 'public engagement activities,' partnering with Taiwan Railway. Booths such as the 'Little Police Experience Camp,' 'Police College Recruitment Exhibition,' and 'Criminal Investigation Achievements Display' allowed the public to better understand the professionalism and dedication of police work.

The President listened to briefings and interacted with the K-9 unit of the Third Security Police总队, learning how these 'silent heroes' assist in special operations and crime scene searches. The new K-9 vests were unveiled for the first time, featuring reflective strips and embroidered dog names to enhance nighttime operational safety.