Xinzhuang's 'Da Bai Zai' festival begins, 500 police deployed for security

New Taipei City's Xinzhuang District is hosting its significant annual 'Da Bai Zai' religious festival, with the 'dark visit' procession commencing today. The Xinzhuang Police Precinct has mobilized around 500 officers to provide security and ensure the event proceeds peacefully.

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The police have the energy and determination to maintain order during the event, and will not allow anyone to engage in violent disturbances, group fights, obstruction of public duty, or other illegal acts under the guise of religious activities.

This year's 'dark visit' procession, a key part of the Xinzhuang Dizang An's annual festival, involves enhanced security measures. Police are utilizing technology and big data to monitor high-risk temple groups and processions. Prior to the event, police convened with representatives from Dizang An and various procession groups to sign peace accords.

Authorities have conducted multiple drills and simulations to prepare for potential crowd disturbances, violent conflicts, and other emergencies. The police aim to demonstrate a firm commitment to safeguarding local public order and the security of religious activities. The Xinzhuang Police Precinct emphasized that the 'Da Bai Zai' is a long-standing religious and cultural event in northern Taiwan, drawing large numbers of devotees and participants annually.

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Police will swiftly handle and prosecute any illegal acts, including violent disturbances, obstruction of public duty, and actions that endanger public safety, in accordance with the Municipal Police Bureau's 'zero tolerance for violence' enforcement philosophy, thereby safeguarding local public order and the safety of the public.

Under the principles of "prevention, immediate response, and legal prosecution," police have actively communicated with temples, procession groups, and participating organizations. They have signed operational agreements and promoted legal awareness to collectively maintain order during the procession, ensuring the sustainable transmission of traditional religious culture in a safe and harmonious environment. Xinzhuang Precinct Chief Chen Bao-xu stated that all security deployments and contingency plans are ready, including mobile strike forces, SWAT teams, traffic control units, and evidence-gathering personnel. They will use drones, real-time imaging, and panoramic cameras to monitor the event's dynamics and enhance command, response, and evidence collection. Officers will be equipped with protective gear, showcasing technological policing and professional enforcement.

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all security deployments and contingency plans are ready.