From Local Centralization to Specialized Police Duties
Taiwan Local Police System During Japanese Colonial Period
Originally named the “Dongmen Police Station of the Chiayi Police Bureau,” the Dongmen Police Station, during the Japanese colonial period, was under the jurisdiction of the Chiayi Police Bureau of the Tainan Prefecture, responsible for managing police affairs in the East Gate District. The evolution of Taiwan's modern police system began after Japan's rule over Taiwan, and understanding the development of Japan's police system in Taiwan allows us to see the influence of the Japanese colonial era on Taiwan's police system through the dynamics of power and territorial relationships.
The Dongmen Police Station, as a space of authority, speaks of the social and political conditions of the Japanese colonial period, given its significant historical position in the development of Taiwan's police administration. Spanning across time with the space, this site bears witness to the cultural and historical memory of Chiayi City.
Qing Dynasty Baojia System：
Mobilizing Local Forces for
Collaborative Order Maintenance
As we step into the Dongmen Police Station, we can also understand the cultural and ccal evolution of Taiwan's colonial past. The establishment of Taiwan's modern police system began after Japan governed Taiwan. Prior to this, Taiwan had the traditional Han Chinese system known as “Baojia.”
The Baojia System originated in the Song Dynasty of China and was a household registration management system that mobilized local forces for military governance. Over time, it evolved into a basic political system in rural areas, with “jia” consisting of 10 households and “bao” consisting of 10 jias, functioning like a form of self-governing police.
The implementation of Baojia in Taiwan began in 1721 (the 60th year of the Kangxi reign) when ZHU Yi-Gui rebelled against the Qing Dynasty, and LAN Ting-Zhen was dispatched to pacify Taiwan, with LAN Ding-Yuan invited to join him. After the suppression of the rebellion, due to the continued unrest in local security, LAN Ding-Yuan proposed the establishment of counties, the deployment of civil and military officials, patrol boats stationed in shifts, and the implementation of a joint village Baojia System.
Centralized Police and Political System,
Taiwan Becomes “Police State”
Japanese Colonial Period:
Since 1901, Taiwan's police system was formally established under Japanese rule, initially incorporating the Baojia System with Taiwanese as police assistants. Police duties included judiciary, administration, ideological control, and economic affairs, crucial for governance by the Government-General of Taiwan.
Initially, military and police roles overlapped, prompting reforms by Governor-General Kodama Gentaro (1898-1906). He centralized police authority, appointing a Chief of Police to oversee all stations. By 1901, Taiwan was divided into 20 administrative Offices, each with a Police Affairs Section and Branch Offices for direct community interaction. The Police Bureau under the Government-General ensured unified command, implementing local management through the "police politics" system.
From 1901 to 1945, spanning Japanese colonial rule, "police politics" shaped Taiwan's politics, economy, and society, establishing a quasi-"police state." Dongmen Police Station symbolizes this era, reflecting its pivotal role in Taiwan's police administration and embodying Chiayi City's cultural and historical significance.