2008 OVERSEAS SECURITY ADVISORY COUNCIL (OSAC)

UNCLAS AIT TAIPEI 000061


DEPARTMENT FOR DS/IP/EAP, DS/DSS/OSAC, DS/TIA/ITA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AMGT APER ASEC TW
SUBJECT: 2008 OVERSEAS SECURITY ADVISORY COUNCIL (OSAC)
CRIME AND SAFETY REPORT

REF: A. 08 STATE 132056

B. 07 TAIPEI 00089



1. (U) Responses are keyed to reftel A.


I. OVERALL CRIME AND SAFETY SITUATION: The overall crime
threat in Taiwan is LOW, with the majority of crime, like
many large cities, occurring in downtown Taipei and other
metropolitan areas. The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT)
is not aware of any specific threats directed against
American citizens or U.S. Government personnel. However, all
visitors to Taiwan should be aware of the current worldwide
travel advisories before undertaking travel to the region.

Crime reports for the year 2008 revealed a significant
increase in incidents of intimidation/extortion when compared
to 2007. All other crime rates registered decreases, with
violent crimes registering a decrease of 14%. While Taiwan
has a significant law enforcement presence, travelers should
exercise caution and pay particular attention to personal
belongings while in crowded areas like night markets and while
traveling on public transportation. As a gauge, visitors
should take precautions similar to that of any major
metropolitan city in the United States, using a common sense
approach to travel around Taiwan.

Public Transportation in Taiwan is safe and efficient. Road
maintenance in Taiwan is good, however city roads are
generally narrow and congested and the traffic situation can
be dangerous for both pedestrians and drivers. The many
scooters and motorcycles that weave in and out of traffic
further hamper driving conditions. Visitors are encouraged
to wear seat belts, refrain from riding motorcycles or
scooters and to use caution when crossing local streets and
alleys. It is also noteworthy to know that taxis in Taiwan
seldom have working seat belts in the backseat. When
crossing streets, the pedestrian does not automatically have
the "right of way" in Taiwan. Mountain roads are typically
narrow, winding, and poorly banked, and may become impassable
by mudslides after heavy rains or flash floods.


II. POLITICAL VIOLENCE: AIT is not aware of any specific
threats directed against American citizens or U.S. Government
personnel in Taiwan. However, all visitors should be aware
of the current worldwide travel advisories before undertaking
travel to the region. Visitors should obtain the latest
advisories and travel warnings via the internet at
http://www.travel.state.gov/. There are no known indigenous
terrorist groups operating in Taiwan. War and civil unrest
are non-existent in Taiwan. On occasion, sporadic
demonstrations do occur, but most often in larger
metropolitan areas. These demonstrations are almost always
peaceful. There have been very few cases of violence
associated with demonstrations but even peaceful protests
can turn confrontational.

Visitors are cautioned to avoid large crowds and
demonstrations, and use vigilance in their daily travels
around Taiwan.


III. POST SPECIFIC CONCERNS: Taiwan is subject to strong
earthquakes that can occur anywhere throughout the island.
In recent years, Taiwan has recorded several earthquakes at
or above 6.0 on the Richter scale each year. Taiwan is also
subject to typhoons, usually in the July to October time
frame. Travelers planning a trip to Taiwan can obtain
general information about natural disaster preparedness via
the internet from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) at http://www.fema.gov/. Additional
information about currently active typhoons can be obtained
on the University of Hawaii Tropical Storm webpage at
http://www.solar.ifa.hawaii.edu/Tropical/trop ical.html. The
Central Weather Bureau of Taiwan also maintains a website
that provides information about typhoons and earthquakes at
http://www.cwb.gov.tw.


IV. POLICE RESPONSE: The general evaluation of police
support and response to foreigners who are victims of crime
is considered very good. The police are professionally
trained. The National Police Agency maintains a
Foreign Affairs Police division that is responsible for all
foreigners traveling or residing in Taiwan. There are
numerous police sub-stations strategically located throughout
the various districts and communities of Taiwan. All have a
Foreign Affairs Police officer assigned to aid foreigners and
assist with law enforcement matters. Only a limited number
of these officers are fluent in English though. The local
police/fire emergency telephone number is 110 (similar to
dialing 911 in the U.S.). In the Taipei metropolitan area,
the Foreign Affairs Police do maintain a 24-hour English
capable officer who can be reached at 02-2556-6007. In
Kaohsiung call (07)281-5019. For all other cities dial
(02)2394-0238.



V. MEDICAL EMERGENCIES: For emergency medical assistance
dial 119 from any phone in Taiwan.

Some recommended medical facilities in Taiwan are:

-Taiwan Adventist Hospital (Taipei) - (02)2771-8151.

-Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (Kaohsiung) - (07)731-7123.

For further information on medical facilities in Taiwan please
look at the following website:
www.ait.org.tw/en/uscitizens/healthcareintw.a sp


VI. TRAVEL PRECAUTIONS: You can greatly reduce your chance
of being victimized by following these basic security
precautions:

-Keep a low personal profile. Avoid ostentatious displays of
money or wealth.

-Be alert to your surroundings.

-Avoid high crime areas and business establishments like
brothels, massage parlors, illegal "barbershops" and
"nightclubs" which are frequented by prostitutes. Many of
these establishments are run by criminals.

-Avoid disputes with local citizens, especially in bars or
nightclubs.

-At night, travel on well lighted streets and avoid deserted
streets or alleyways.


VII. FURTHER INFORMATION: The American Institute in Taiwan
(AIT) is a non-profit organization established by Congress
shortly after the United States government changed its
diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing on 1 January,

1979. The Taiwan Relations Act authorized the continuation
of commercial, cultural and other relations between the
United States and Taiwan. AIT is organized along the lines
similar to those of a foreign service post and undertakes the
usual wide range of activities representing U.S. interests.

The Regional Security Officer (RSO) is David R. EBERHARDT and
he is available to provide additional security information
and guidance to U.S. firms and their employees. The Assistant
Regional Security Officer is Marcella E. PHELPS and is also
available to answer any other security related questions.
The Regional Security Office can be reached at
(886-2)2162-2333.

Other AIT contact numbers:

-Medical Unit (886-2)2162-2222

-Consular Section (886-2)2162-2239

-Political Section (886-2)2162-2241

-Economic Section (886-2)2162-2240

-Post One (886-2)2162-2319


VIII. OSAC COUNCIL: AIT-Taipei has an OSAC Country
Council. Point of Contact is RSO David R. EBERHARDT and can be
reached at (886-2)2162-2333 or at EberhardtDR@state.gov.


SYOUNG