Kochi: With a view to replacing the concept of conventional law enforcement with a nuanced form of policing, the Kerala Police Academy (KPA) in Thrissur has launched an ambitious programme to upgrade the institution into a state-of-the-art training facility. The project, titled ‘E-Academy’, is being implemented at a cost of around ₹3 crore.
K. Padmakumar, Additional Director General of Police and Director of the Training school, said the E-Academy would have wi-fi facility and IP cameras on the campus, smart classrooms, and a digitised library, while the conduct of examinations and submission of assignments would be made online. The revamped training programme will also encompass simulations of various crime scenes, audio-video interfaces, modules of soft skill development, and engagement with social media, he added.
“The project marks a shift from conventional policing to intelligent policing, which is the future. The introduction of technology, which plays a crucial rule in modern law-enforcement strategies the world over, will definitely take our force ahead of the game with criminals,” Mr. Padmakumar said.
According to the officer, the first phase of E-Academy will be set in motion by March, and the entire programme will be implemented within a year. In the long run, the project will focus on super-surveillance and use of technology in crime prevention and investigations.
The academy, after holding a brainstorming session with a team of 25 experts, has introduced a new module called ‘Law in Motion’, which aims to offer practical training in the use of law. Besides, trainees will be given instructions on writing mock reports and a chance to interact with eminent personalities.
“The training in report writing aims at avoiding slip-ups when exposed to courts, while modules on soft skill development will bring in a change from hyper-aggressive policing that harms individuals and undermines communities’ ability to trust the police” the ADGP said.
Meanwhile, sources said the KPA has also proposed to establish a mounted police unit on its campus.
The institution currently accommodates 830 trainee officers including 270 Sub Inspector trainees and 400 women officers.
