The Executive Yuan has approved a NT$2.5 billion (US$80.64 million) plan to bolster police safety by obtaining improved training and protective equipment for officers, Minister of the Interior Lin Yu-chang (林右昌) said on Thursday last week.
The National Police Agency (NPA) wrote a shopping list after consulting rank-and-file officers’ opinions on their needs, he said, adding that the list includes 7,926 small cameras to replace those that are worn out or have an unsatisfactory resolution.
It also includes funding for protective equipment — 43,793 modern tactical vests with improved ergonomics, 35,559 pairs of anti-cut gloves, 12,299 riot shields for patrol vehicles and 1,881 stun guns, he said.
Photo courtesy of the Ministry of the Interior
A NT$2.24 billion portion of the budget would be used to enhance police training and education, with an emphasis on officers’ knowledge of the law, professional skills, marksmanship and physical conditioning, he said.
That part of the budget is to be implemented from this year through 2027 and would provide continued funding for virtual reality training in managing police encounters with the public, Lin said.
The budget would be used to establish 13 virtual reality firearms and encounter training centers at county and municipal police departments, two additional general purpose ranges at the counterterrorism training center, three live-fire pistol ranges and gyms, Lin said.
“Enhancing officer safety improves the safety of all Taiwanese and is an urgent mission,” he said, adding that the NPA has been tasked with continually updating police equipment and training with an eye toward integrated strategies.
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