TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The National Police Agency (NPA, 警政署) dismissed reports on Friday (Jan. 10) regarding a planned collaboration with civilian defense groups like the Kuma Academy (黑熊學院). This clarification followed a recent local media's report on the Ministry of the Interior's budget allocation of NT$22.18 million for its 2025 plan to enhance civil defense capabilities.
The agency emphasized that emergency medical training is not a police-specific skill. Hiring instructors and planning courses follow government procurement laws, with no preferential treatment for particular groups. Professional organizations with emergency medical certification, such as municipal fire departments and medical associations, are also involved, the NPA added.
The agency stressed that collaboration depends on course requirements and selected instructors with professional expertise. It stated that examples used during the planning phase were illustrative. Police agencies have long worked with local Red Cross volunteers and professional instructors from volunteer firefighter groups to tailor training courses to specific needs, they explained.
The agency highlighted the increasing importance of NGO roles in civil defense amid global security changes. It plans to incorporate diverse NGO feedback to continue civil defense training, aiming to boost societal defense awareness and foster a comprehensive civil defense system involving all citizens.