The city police have announced the introduction of a neighbourhood security programme intended to train nearly 6,000 security guards at various establishments in the city to enhance security arrangements.
The programme, called “Partner us in security,” aims to tap the huge workforce of security guards and coordinate their services, a press release said here on Sunday. The first course of the training will be held at the District Armed Reserve camp at Nandavanam from July 28 to 30.
The guards will undergo rigorous training during the free three-day capsule course. The major areas to be covered include self-defence techniques and the rights and responsibilities of a guard. Classes on methods of guarding various places and training in detecting explosives will be given. The guards will be helped to identify improvised explosive devices, study anti-social elements, identify wanted criminals from photos, and collect intelligence by using cameras and other methods, the release said.
Three steps
The programme involves three steps - free training, checking the antecedents of the guards, and coordinating their efforts for better security.
A database of the trained guards will be maintained. Thus, the police can coordinate their activities for the protection of the guarded institutions and for general security. This framework helps the guards work under a blanket control of the respective station house officers, indirectly helping the police in their own respective areas.
Manoj Abraham, City Police Commissioner, said in the release that the programme would be a big help to the police because these trained guards would coordinate with them to provide better security. Through regular follow-up measures and weekly meetings with these guards, a well-established security unit could be maintained. The police have proposed to start this training for volunteers, including security guards in banks, hotels, offices, and flats; Maithri volunteers; home guards; and the youth. The work of a security guard is now limited to watching a building or compound, without any idea of advanced security techniques.
Those interested in participating in the training may give a request to the police, by post, e-mail, or phone, before July 23. The request, including name and contact details, may be sent to the Community Police Resource Centre, Office of the Commissioner of Police, Thycaud, Thiruvananthapram – 695 041; ph:1090; and e-mail: cptvm@karalapolice.gov.in
