TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — New Taipei has formed a metro police unit and will deploy about 240 officers to strengthen passenger safety, Mayor Hou You-yi (侯友宜) said Tuesday.

The unit will be led by Liao Kuo-an (廖國安), former deputy commander of the city’s Criminal Investigation Corps, per CNA.

At the inauguration ceremony, Hou said a branch will be established for the Sanying Line when it opens in April. Three additional branches, each staffed with about 20 officers, are planned for the Tucheng–Shulin Line, expected to open in 2031, and the Xizhi–Mingsheng Line, scheduled for completion in 2032.

Hou said metro police must respond quickly, keeping the time between receiving a report and arriving at the scene as short as possible. He also called for a comprehensive response system, including protecting the public, apprehending suspects, and supporting backup officers.

Hou said the city government supports metro police in using their authority to inspect for dangerous items in stations and on trains. He said officers may assess passengers by observing their behavior, expressions, and conversations.

Liao said that following stabbing incidents at Taipei Main Station and Zhongshan Station in December that left three people dead and 11 injured, with the suspect later dying, New Taipei police have teamed up with Taipei Metro and Taoyuan Metro to form a support network.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) said Taipei Metro has also collaborated with the city’s police to conduct safety drills aimed at improving passenger evacuation, tracking suspects, and reporting procedures. The city government will also provide metro staff with enhanced safety equipment, including anti-riot forks and stun batons.