By KHT Staff
KAOHSIUNG — A senior officer with the Kaohsiung Juvenile Police Unit has been disciplined after refusing an alcohol test while technically considered on duty, police officials said.
The officer, surnamed Hung (洪), holds the rank of two-line, three-star inspector and serves as a unit chief. He was reported on Wednesday, January 7, after colleagues noticed his flushed appearance and suspected he may have consumed alcohol before entering the office. Inspectors were called to the scene and requested that he take a breath test, which he refused.
A review of the police attendance system later showed the officer had not formally completed leave procedures at the time, meaning he was still classified as on duty under internal regulations. Based on that determination, the Inspectorate ruled that the case constituted a violation of rules prohibiting alcohol consumption before duty. Disciplinary action ranging from two demerits to one minor reprimand was imposed.
Juvenile Police Unit Commander Chen Jen-cheng (陳仁正) said the officer had attended a dinner the night before and earlier that day went to a memorial service for a classmate’s elder. Chen said the officer returned to the office to handle paperwork and had verbally requested leave, which was approved, though the request had not yet been entered into the system.
Despite that explanation, police said formal leave approval is required, and refusal to undergo testing further breached regulations. Police reiterated that officers are strictly barred from drinking before duty to maintain discipline and public trust.
