UP Police and TISS Collaborate on Groundbreaking 'Saksham Policing' Training Initiative
In a landmark move to enhance the behavioral, social, and technical competencies of its personnel, the Uttar Pradesh Police Training Directorate has partnered with the prestigious Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) to launch a pioneering three-day pilot training workshop. Titled 'Saksham Policing', this innovative program was inaugurated at the state police headquarters in Lucknow, marking a significant step toward modernizing police training methodologies.
High-Profile Inauguration Emphasizes Training as Foundation for Excellence
The workshop was formally inaugurated by Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Krishna, who underscored the critical role of training in both personal and professional development. In his address to the select group of participants, DGP Krishna highlighted that continuous, high-quality training is the cornerstone of success for the world's leading institutions and security forces. He stressed the urgent need to prioritize training within the police framework to foster a more capable and responsive force.
Notably, only 40 officers were chosen from the nearly 400,000-strong Uttar Pradesh Police for this pilot program, a selection that DGP Krishna described as both a matter of pride and a profound responsibility. He emphasized that attitude and behavior are equally as important as knowledge and technical skills, pointing out that effective verbal and non-verbal communication decisively shapes the public image of the police.
Recognition of Past Successes and Future Goals
DGP Krishna cited the national and international acclaim received by the UP Police for their exemplary conduct during major events like the Mahakumbh and Magh Mela as direct outcomes of improved training practices. This acknowledgment serves as a testament to the positive impact of focused capacity-building initiatives.
Adding to the discourse, TISS Vice-Chancellor Prof Badri Narayan Tiwari remarked that policing in India faces unique challenges due to complex social pressures, making sensitivity and empathy indispensable qualities for officers. He noted that linking the world's largest police force with human-centric training represents a crucial initiative aimed at nurturing a more responsive and humane policing system.
Comprehensive Curriculum Designed for Modern Policing Demands
Police Training Directorate DG Rajeev Sabharwal outlined the program's objectives, which are centered on equipping police personnel with balanced behavioral approaches, refined communication styles, and modern technical awareness. The structured, skill-based capacity-building program focuses on three core areas:
- Enhancing Behavioral Competence: Developing empathy and ethical decision-making.
- Operational Soft Skills: Improving interpersonal communication and conflict resolution.
- Real-Life Decision-Making Abilities: Preparing officers for high-pressure scenarios.
Utilizing experiential and activity-based learning methods, such as case discussions and role-playing exercises, the training is designed to prepare officers to respond professionally, sensitively, and lawfully in diverse environments. These include high-pressure situations, public-facing interactions, and increasingly complex digital landscapes.
A Forward-Looking Approach to Police Reform
This collaboration between the Uttar Pradesh Police and TISS signifies a proactive approach to addressing the evolving demands of law enforcement. By integrating behavioral sciences with practical policing skills, the 'Saksham Policing' workshop aims to create a more adept and community-oriented police force, setting a new benchmark for police training programs across the country.
