TAIPEI (TVBS News) — New Taipei City launched a 240-officer transit security brigade Tuesday (Jan. 14) after December's attack killed four. The Rapid Transit Brigade (新北捷警隊) responds to the Dec. 19 MRT assault that also injured 11 passengers. Mayor Hou You-yi (侯友宜) appointed Liao Kuo-an (廖國安) as the specialized unit's first captain. The brigade currently operates with 67 officers while recruiting to reach full capacity.
Hou, a former policeman, directed the brigade to implement a three-layer operational response model for incident management. First-line forces will minimize immediate harm, second-line units will stabilize the scene, and third-line teams will complete the interception. The strategy requires precise management of response times and coordination across all operational levels.
The expanded force will collaborate with existing MRT police units, which number approximately 90 officers regionwide. New Taipei City coordinates security operations with Taipei City and Taoyuan City police departments. The cross-jurisdictional partnership strengthens the overall metro security network across northern Taiwan.
Captain Liao reported swift action following the Taipei Main Station (台北車站) attack, including immediate security drills. New Taipei City established cross-regional coordination with Taipei Metro (台北捷運) and Taoyuan Metro (桃園捷運). The enhanced cooperation aims to prevent future attacks and improve emergency response capabilities. ◼