2005 designated as a year for an anti-crime campaign

Minister of the Interior Su Jia-chyuan (蘇嘉全) announced yesterday that 2005 will be designated as the year for an intensified campaign against crime.

Su made the announcement while attending a joint SWAT forces live-fire training drill in Taichung City.

In addition to tackling major criminal cases, Su said, police will prioritize a crackdown on burglary as part of the government's all-out efforts to protect the safety of people's life and property.

Noting that many people have complained about rampant burglary, Su said the National Police Administration under the Ministry of the Interior will cooperate with other law enforcement authorities in fighting crime in the coming year.

He further said the Interior Ministry is determined to increase the police headcount by 3,000 officers over the next two years, to help local governments improve grassroots law and order.

Nevertheless, Su said, a manpower increase alone is not enough to fight crime and improve public order.

"We need to put together the best, most agile and efficient SWAT forces deployed in different parts of the island to take on criminals and thwart their activities," he said, adding that he hopes SWAT forces in various central counties and cities can strengthen cooperation in crime fighting.

SWAT forces in central Taiwan practiced live-fire shooting, land-air combined operations and anti-kidnapping skills during the training exercise.

Taichung City Council Speaker Chang Hung-nien (張宏年), Taichung Deputy Mayor Hsiao Chia-chi (蕭家旗) and many senior police officers were on hand to witness the drill.