Correct methods of saluting, how to win people’s confidence, how to refresh memory in court, how to handle aggressive behaviour, how to clean and maintain a pistol, and anger management are among a few modules of the syllabus that is being taught to Delhi police officers in a refresher course every week.
Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik, during the crime review meeting about a month ago, had directed all 14 districts to conduct the course for lower level subordinates.
In the seven-day refresher course, the officers — constables and head constables — attend classes from 7 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. The classes are taken by retired and serving police officers.
The syllabus, accessed by The Hindu , states that the officers, on Day 1, are taught correct methods of saluting with or without arms at different places; cleanliness and maintenance of police stations; beat policing which includes, tenant verification, meeting senior citizens and Resident Welfare Association members.
On Day 2, the officers are primarily taught how to improve police department’s image and public perception which includes how to behave with complainants and how to win their trust. They are also taught how to produce to evidence in courts and refresh memory and also how to produce an accused in the court — a session taken by a public prosecutor.
Speaking classes
On Day 3, a communication unit officer takes classes on public speaking and basic English language along with etiquettes; especially how to speak to non-Hindi speaking complainants. The next day, officers are taught important sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code.
The second half of the day is about handling and maintaining a revolver/pistol and also how to handle aggressive law violators with minimum use of force.
Towards the end of the week, the officers are informed and trained on preventing sexual harassment at workplace. Most importantly, the officers are told about anger and stress management techniques, including how to control reaction in a volatile situation. They are taught how to deal with women victim of dowry, sexual harassment, molestation and rape cases.
Corrupt practices
Officers, on the sixth day, learn about how to avoid bringing a bad name to the security agency, for instance, prevention of corrupt practices and their consequences.
A test is then conducted in the second half followed by checking and the day ends with a one-hour “games” class.
Success so far
The classes which were rolled out in the East district two weeks ago have been a success so far, a senior police officer said. “Every week, a new batch of about 60 officers is called for training; about five-six officers from every police station,” the officer said.
Talking about how the classes are being received by officers, the senior officer said that during feedback, the officers said that the course has increased their confidence.
