Taiwan allows Coast Guard officers to take decision to fire weapons
TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — In emergency situations, officers of the Coast Guard Administration (CGA) will have the right to decide whether to fire cannons, according to a proposal passed in the third reading by the Legislative Yuan on Tuesday (May 2).
Final approval for armed action still rested with the CGA director-general, but when communications with headquarters were difficult or in the case of an emergency, the most senior officer on the scene could decide on the use of cannons and fire, CNA reported.
The Cabinet approved the proposed amendments on March 30 before passing them on to the Legislative Yuan for further review. The amendments clarified responsibilities in the case of an armed incident.