President: Government will be the strongest backing for police and firefighters, ensuring protectors feel protected

(Central News Agency reporter Yeh Chen, Taoyuan, 5th) President Lai Ching-te attended the graduation ceremony of the Central Police University today and gave two reminders to the graduates: to keep the core values of lawfulness and integrity in their hearts, and to have a spirit of teamwork. The government will be the strongest backing for police and firefighters, 'so that the protectors can also feel protected.'

The Central Police University held its joint graduation ceremony for the class of 2026 today. President Lai stated in his address that graduates will serve in different units and regions, covering various fields such as police, firefighting, coast guard, immigration, and corrections. They will surely stay in touch and become lifelong support for each other.

He said he wanted to give the graduates two important reminders. First, to have a spirit of teamwork, because police work is a team effort and a long-term mission. Only through collaboration among colleagues can the strongest combat effectiveness be achieved. No matter where they are assigned, they will be on the front line of law enforcement. He hopes they can utilize their professional knowledge, actively integrate into the command system, and complete tasks through teamwork.

President Lai stated that the second reminder is to keep the core values of lawfulness and integrity in their hearts. Police work involves dealing with all kinds of people. The future tests for everyone will not only be daily duties but also various threats, temptations, and personal connections. The police are the frontline for the nation to demonstrate legal order. He hopes everyone can lead by example and become the pride of the nation and society.

The President also expressed gratitude for the hard work of all police officers. The incidence of violent crimes in Taiwan has been declining year by year over the past decade, dropping by over 50%. This is the result of the dedicated efforts of police officers. As the nature of public security work changes, everyone must not become complacent or rest on their laurels but must keep pace with the times.

He stated that the current government is focusing on tasks such as cracking down on organized crime, drugs, and fraud. In recent years, organized crime has colluded with foreign forces to affect national security. Therefore, rooting out criminal syndicates is the 'number one priority task' that requires long-term investment and rectification. The government has been combining cross-ministerial efforts to continuously introduce refined strategies for drug control and combating fraud.

President Lai said that regarding the prevention and control of drugs and drug-impaired driving, the Executive Yuan proposed 14 measures yesterday, including reclassifying etomidate from a Schedule II to a Schedule I drug, with manufacturing, transportation, and sale carrying a maximum penalty of the death penalty. The government will also promote legislative amendments to add criminal penalties for manufacturing, selling, importing, or supplying e-cigarettes. Possessing e-cigarettes will not only result in confiscation but also fines ranging from NT$30,000 to NT$100,000.

The President stated that licenses for drug-impaired driving will be revoked. For repeat offenders or cases causing serious injury or death, the license will be permanently revoked, and the vehicle used in the offense will be confiscated. The government will also study legislating saliva tests to improve detection efficiency. Facing various criminal issues, the government needs the graduates to dedicate their efforts and continue to cooperate with government policies to maintain public order and ensure the safety of the people.

He stated that the government is well aware of the hard work of police officers and will therefore be their strongest backing. The Executive Yuan has approved several plans to significantly expand law enforcement equipment and comprehensively improve the physical and mental health care mechanisms for police and firefighters, 'so that the protectors can also feel protected.'

President Lai also said that the nation's first dedicated housing project for police and firefighters, the 'Bao Er An Ju' project, has now been officially occupied by colleagues. Since March 1st of this year, the criminal investigation pay supplement has been raised to 80%. For front-line police and firefighters, the allowances for heavy-duty and dangerous positions have also been comprehensively increased.

The President stated that the government will continue to refine the duty system, implement workload reduction, and provide more support to colleagues, 'ensuring that everyone has the government as their backing.' (Editor: Huang Mingxi) 1150605