‘Training of police personnel essential’ : Rajiv Krishna

He is a busy man indeed! After all, working as the DIG-Police Lucknow comes with lot of responsibilities. His days (and often nights) are spent solving the law and order problems from the highest level. He makes it a point to listen to woes of the public on daily basis. Yet, he is a family man who spends whatever time he is left with either with the family or in maintaining himself ‘fighting fit’ through a rigorous fitness schedule.
A fitness freak himself, Rajiv Krishna is in favour of an extensive training drill, not just for the new recruits but also for the existing workforce, time and again. But for the fact that the police force is already understaffed and cannot be spared much for training sessions and fitness drills, Rajiv Krishna would have put into force a more rigorous plan to bring about much-needed training and fitness regime for police officers of all ranks.
“Not just physical training, there is a need to make the officers aware of changing technological and scientific developments, like computers, internet, modern mobile gadgets besides ever-changing laws related to human rights, CrPc and IPC rules and Indian constitution,” informs the DIG.
Adds he: “Training is an inherent part of all management functions. It enables the personnel and staff to remain fighting fit and move ahead with time – something that is extremely essential for smooth and satisfactory working of an organization.”
“For police department, it is even more essential that a proper training system is built. The police force in UP is over-worked and stressed and a proper fitness regime would help them cope with the situation more effectively. Moreover, training is particularly needed for the police force as bulging bellies are not just an eyesore but also a deterrent in their duties that at times require extra energy and stamina to nab the culprits.”Though he believes he has not been able to do enough in this regard, whatever time Rajiv Krishna gets he spends that in encouraging officers and informing them of the positive effects of remaining fit.He informs that there are three training facilities in Lucknow at present. These include the 32nd Battalion PAC RTC, 35th Battalion PAC RTC and Reserved Police lines RTC. Training of new recruits goes on from 4 in the morning and till dinner time. Apart from imparting training in squad drill and police drill, the recruits are taught riot dealing and traffic management. Arms’ training too is an important part of the training exercise. Other than this jawans are taught horse-riding and rope climbing besides games like volleyball, football, hockey and kabaddi. During the day they are taught law, Indian constitution, rules related to human rights, IPC, CrPc and how to write FIRs and other reports in police stations. This forms a major portion of the 11-month training, consequent to which they get their respective postings.Training for serving officers too is conducted from time to time, though more regular trainings sessions may be welcome.
At times when such extensive training for new recruits is not taking place, small courses are run related to computers, how to improve the image of police, human right laws, technological updates and other courses Refresher courses too are conducted from time to time for existing personnel.Yoga and regular motivation camps, including interaction with psychiatrists too are essential, says the DIG adding that lack of adequate staff doesn’t allow him to do all that he wishes to do.