Mourning the Passing of Former Director Weng Ching-hui

Upon learning from the newspaper that Mr. Weng Ching-hui, former director of the Criminal Investigation Bureau's Forensic Science Center, passed away from liver cancer at National Taiwan University Hospital in the early morning of June 16, 2003, feelings of sorrow, regret, and deep gratitude spontaneously arose.

More than two years ago, recognizing that long-standing bad practices such as "extorting confessions through detention" and "coercing confessions through torture" persisted in Taiwan's criminal investigation practice, the Judicial Reform Foundation established the "Annual Action Group" in 2002 to fully promote the project on "Reforming Criminal Investigation and Crime Prevention by Police, Prosecutors, and Investigators." I was fortunate to be elected as the convener of this group. After discussions in group meetings, "reforming Taiwan's forensic science system" was established as one of the group's work goals. As a result, I had the privilege of getting to know Mr. Weng Ching-hui, who was then serving as the head of the Forensic Science Division at the Criminal Investigation Bureau.

Despite his busy official duties, Mr. Weng repeatedly sacrificed his holidays and took time out to guide the Judicial Reform Foundation's activities related to the forensic system. For example, at the 2002 "Legal Freshmen Camp," using slides accumulated from handling cases, he explained various forensic issues—such as bloodstain spatter patterns—to newly appointed judges, prosecutors, and lawyers in a profound yet accessible, vivid, and humorous manner. When the "Annual Action Group" held forensic seminars, Mr. Weng unreservedly shared the experiences and observational insights he had accumulated over decades of engaging in criminal forensics with the attending guests. Furthermore, at the "2nd Judicial Reform Forum" in 2002, he was invited to serve as a commentator. During the commentary process, upon suddenly receiving a phone call notifying him that former Taipei City Councilor Ch'en Chin-ch'i had been shot and killed at the Ch'iao-Yuan Restaurant, Mr. Weng immediately rushed to the crime scene after finishing his commentary to throw himself into on-site evidence collection and other forensic work.

Although Mr. Weng often emphasized that forensic systems could only flourish and develop soundly if high-ranking police officials valued their importance, from my personal observations, Mr. Weng never seemed to wait for the approving gaze of his "superiors." Instead, he devoted himself wholeheartedly and unhesitatingly to the work of elevating Taiwan's forensic system, acting with resolute determination. In particular, Mr. Weng often said, "The professionalism of forensic personnel is established during courtroom cross-examination." Thinking back now on Mr. Weng's grace, confidence, and passion when lecturing on the forensic system, a pang of sorrow and regret wells up. I remember that after an event, as I walked away with Mr. Weng from the Judicial Reform Foundation toward the intersection of Sungchiang Road beside the "Sungchiang Poetry Garden," I specifically invited Mr. Weng, hoping there would be a chance for him to visit a Rotary Club regular meeting to lecture and introduce the forensic system to club members. At the time, although Mr. Weng indicated that he might need to take leave during the regular meeting time from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM, he said he would be very happy to go in order to let more people understand the importance of forensics. Little did I expect that our promise still rings in my ears, but Mr. Weng has already passed away, and our agreement will never be fulfilled.

Mr. Weng lived to the age of fifty-two, yet he devoted at least twenty-five years of his life to forensic work. In other words, Mr. Weng spent nearly half of his lifetime on forensics. Such perseverance, dedication, and persistence are truly worthy of our learning, respect, and remembrance. Looking at Mr. Weng's photograph published in the newspaper, I only want to gently tell him: no matter what, please rest in peace! Taiwan's criminal forensics system will surely move forward step by step toward greater stability and perfection through your long-term, arduous cultivation and foundation-laying, as well as the continuous efforts of many aspiring individuals. Director Weng, please rest in peace!

※ Published in: Liberty Times