Volunteer Policing in Taiwan’s Civil Defense: Institutional Transformation and Challenges

This project examines the transformation of volunteer policing within Taiwan’s civil defense system since 2022. Motivated by escalating geopolitical tensions and internal reform initiatives, Taiwan’s civil defense has shifted from an emergency response framework to an all-out national security approach. This study analyzes the impact of institutional reforms and evolving operational roles on volunteer policing, particularly the balance between government direction and civil society participation. Legal documents, government reports, and NGO publications were analyzed. Findings reveal both the potential and existing gaps in Taiwan’s volunteer policing model, including legal ambiguities and the need for enhanced public-civil-private integration. This study offers an analysis of volunteer policing’s institutional transformation and its role in Taiwan’s broader national security strategy, providing insights into hybrid threat preparedness in democratic societies. Policy recommendations to strengthen volunteer policing in Taiwan are discussed.