Now, mental prep for cops to tackle hazards: Gujarat government

Rising incidents of cops in Gujarat taking extreme steps owing to work load has increased worries of the Gujarat government. The state government has decided to give mental training to police personnel during their post-recruitment training to prepare them against such professional hazards.

A senior official in the Gujarat government informed, “The government has discussed the issue with the Raksha Shakti University that prepares the training module for cops in Gujarat. We have asked them to prepare a module that will test aptitude required for joining the police force. We will soon introduce this module in the training of cops for the next batch of new recruits.”

“The trainers will teach the newly recruited cops about professional hazards, mental toughness, and other sacrifices that are required in the line of duty. One needs to know before he/she decides to join the disciplined force but many do not do that and are more often fascinated by the charm and prestige attached with the uniformed force, and ultimately, they feel pressure when on duty. Those who do not wish to continue can leave during the training as well, instead of taking an extreme step,” the official added.

Police personnel get physical training after their recruitment at camps and are taught different skills such as running with weights, swimming, rope climbing, horse riding and many others. However, mental training has never been a part of it.

“We cannot select police personnel on the basis of their aptitude for the service because it is against the law. Everyone has the right to choose the profession, so we cannot debar them on that basis; such moves can be challenged. That is why we have chosen that this should be included during training,” the officer further added.