Kaohsiung Police Officer Involved in Voyeurism Case; Mayor Chen Chi-mai Proposes 3 Actions, Supervisors at the Time Penalized

(CNA, Reporter Chang I-Lien, Kaohsiung, 19th) Regarding the case where a Kaohsiung police officer surnamed Tu is suspected of illegally filming and sexually harassing individuals using his official authority, Mayor Chen Chi-mai today proposed three measures to protect the victims. The Kaohsiung City Police Department will issue a demerit to the then-precinct chief and admonishments to the deputy precinct chief and resident inspector. Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai, responding to inquiries at the Kaohsiung City Council today, stressed that he requires the police department to take more proactive measures and deeply review its internal management mechanisms. He will implement three measures to ensure victim protection. Chen Chi-mai stated that he will require the police department to actively assist in preserving evidence and, if new evidence is found, transfer it to the District Prosecutor's Office for re-investigation. Secondly, the police department's sexual harassment review committee mechanism will be immediately reviewed and adjusted to be dominated by external members, with administrative supervisors only assisting in administrative investigations to ensure fair and objective fact-finding. Additionally, the police department must manage and track the progress of all individual sexual harassment cases, and the Kaohsiung City Government's Social Affairs Bureau will proactively contact, provide care, and assist victims with legal services and related consultations. According to a press release from the Kaohsiung City Police Department, Commissioner Chao Jui-hua stated his deep abhorrence for such evil acts and will thoroughly review internal management mechanisms and strictly pursue the supervisory responsibilities of relevant management personnel. The Kaohsiung City Police Department stated that the involved officer, Tu, was dismissed with two major demerits. His two precinct chiefs at the time were each given one demerit, while the two deputy precinct chiefs, resident inspector, and inspection section chief at the time each received two admonishments. The station chief at the time received two demerits, and the deputy station chief received one demerit. The Kaohsiung City Social Affairs Bureau mentioned that it has proactively contacted and cared for the victims, providing emotional support and consultation on their rights, and has referred them to legal services. Subsequently, in addition to continuing to provide emotional support, it will offer legal aid, court accompaniment, or counseling services as needed. The entire case stems from allegations that the Kaohsiung officer, Tu, under the pretext of performing his duties and inspecting injuries, illegally filmed the private body parts of at least six female informants and synthesized them into nude photos. The Kaohsiung District Prosecutor's Office has indicted him on charges including violation of the Personal Data Protection Act. Another case involving one woman was not prosecuted due to insufficient evidence; this woman will apply for a review through her lawyer. (Edited by Chang Ya-ching) 1150519