TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Since the start of 2024, eight police officers have committed suicide, the latest a deputy chief of Hsinchu’s First Precinct, surnamed Hung (洪), at 6 p.m. on Sunday (June 16).
Hung was found on the third floor of the police precinct dormitory with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. A preliminary investigation ruled out any external intervention, while no suicide note was left behind, per PTS.
Fellow officers were stunned at the news, as Hung had sent messages and chatted with friends and family earlier in the day. Hung was regarded as a conscientious officer who got along well with colleagues and had a distinguished record when it came to capturing criminals.
"After completing his shift, we found that he had not returned his gun and ammunition. We noticed something was immediately wrong and searched for him in the dormitory on the third floor of the precinct. We found he had committed suicide and police officers immediately notified 119. He was sent to the hospital, but ambulance personnel had already confirmed he was dead,” said Hsinchu First Precinct Deputy Director Chen Shih-hsiung (陳世雄).
After being notified of the case, Hsinchu Mayor Kao Hung-an (高虹安) and newly appointed National Police Agency Director-General Chang Jung-hsin (張榮興) instructed the police department to assist in funeral arrangements and care for affected family members. More resources will also be devoted to assisting the police precinct to help with psychological counseling and stress management.
Those considering suicide should immediately call the Taiwan Suicide Prevention Center at 1925, or Taiwan Lifeline International at 1995 (English and Chinese service available).
Foreign residents can also call the Community Services Center for urgent mental health advice (English and Chinese service available) at 02-2836-8134 during business hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday) and 0932-594-578 after hours.