Campus 'Level 5 Security' for Anti-Drug Efforts Sparks Controversy; Ministry of Education Says It's an Option, Not Mandatory

(CNA, Taipei, June 24) - Executive Yuan Minister without Portfolio Chi Lien-cheng recently proposed implementing 'Level 5 Security' on campuses, raising concerns among student groups about potential impacts on student rights. Minister of Education Chang Liao Wan-chien stated today that it is not mandatory but rather 'an additional option,' and that police and investigators will still require school consent to enter campuses.

The Executive Yuan held a press conference on 'Central Anti-Drug Measures' on June 18, where Minister without Portfolio Chi Lien-cheng announced a series of legislative amendments to establish four lines of defense against drug use. Within campuses, where there are no police or investigative units, 'Level 5 Security' might be introduced, involving retired military and police personnel with sufficient physical fitness and capabilities to assist schools in drug investigation and prevention.

The aforementioned policy has sparked debate in academic circles. Student group EdYouth expressed concerns about potential impacts on campus trust and student rights, calling for clarification on employment conditions, responsibilities, and intervention standards.

Minister of Education Chang Liao Wan-chien reported to the Legislative Yuan's Education and Culture Committee today. Kuomintang legislator Ko Chih-en questioned the government's shift from opposing military instructors and police on campus to proposing 'Level 5 Security' without clearly defining responsibilities and training standards, leading to concerns about student rights. Fellow legislator Ko Chih-en also stated that when he requested details about the 'Level 5 Security' plan from the Ministry of Education, the ministry replied that 'everything is still under planning' and no information is currently available.

In response, Chang Liao Wan-chien explained that in the face of emerging drug challenges, the Executive Yuan suggested considering 'Level 5 Security.' This is not a mandatory mechanism but 'an additional option.'

Chang Liao Wan-chien also emphasized that under current regulations, police and investigators must inform schools before entering for investigations. For example, in elementary and middle schools, consent from the dean of student affairs is required, while in universities, the secretary-general must be consulted. If 'Level 5 Security' is implemented in the future, it would be at the school's request for assistance when needed, not an autonomous intervention.

Executive Yuan Minister without Portfolio Chi Lien-cheng also explained in a media interview on June 23 that 'Level 5 Security' refers to retired military and police personnel with security protection concepts, currently employed primarily for critical infrastructure and luxury residences. The ministry is currently gathering opinions and may consider relevant subsidies if schools require campus security assistance but face financial difficulties.

Chi Lien-cheng stated that 'Level 5 Security' personnel undergo rigorous safety assessments, physical fitness tests, and interviews. If they are to be deployed on campus in the future, they will not have law enforcement powers and their duties will be akin to administrative assistants for campus safety, primarily providing assistance and unable to punish students or search schoolbags. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150624

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