TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taipei City will deploy over 1,300 police officers for Wednesday's (Dec. 31) New Year's Eve celebration, implementing its strictest security measures yet at the event venue and surrounding areas. Authorities have significantly increased security personnel compared to previous years to ensure public safety amid heightened concerns.
Li Hsien-tsang (李憲蒼), head of the Xinyi Precinct, confirmed authorities have doubled special security forces this year. Police will enhance presence in high-traffic areas, including the Xinyi Commercial District, City Hall Bus Station, MRT stations, and Taipei Dome. Yu Chen-hua (俞振華), Taipei City's deputy secretary-general, stated officers will use metal detectors at entrance points and deploy mobile strike teams across 27 sectors.
Yu Hsiang-chiang (余祥強), director of Taipei's Department of Information and Tourism, emphasized large signs will be placed at the venue. He warned police will clear the area at 10 a.m. on Wednesday (Dec. 31), advising against arriving early to secure spots. Taipei Metro will offer free rides on the Songshan-Xindian Line for passengers entering at Nanjing Sanmin and Taipei Arena stations after the event.
Yang Chin-heng (楊秦恒), deputy general manager of the Taipei Metro, revealed key stations are now equipped with defensive forks and station staff have received comprehensive training upgrades. New Taipei City is enhancing security for its river-crossing fireworks event by deploying 500 police officers, police dogs, and drones. Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) confirmed the deployment to enhance prevention and surveillance.
