UP Police Partners with TISS for Groundbreaking Behavioral Training Pilot
In a significant move toward modernizing law enforcement capabilities, the Uttar Pradesh Police has launched a pioneering pilot training program in collaboration with the prestigious Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS). This initiative, inaugurated at the police headquarters in Lucknow, marks a strategic effort to enhance the behavioral, social, and technical competencies of police personnel across the state.
Structured Program Aims at Holistic Development
The three-day workshop, inaugurated by Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Krishna, represents a structured, competency-based capacity-building endeavor. According to Rajeev Sabharwal, Director General of the Directorate of Police Training, the program is meticulously designed to strengthen behavioral competence, operational soft skills, and real-life decision-making abilities among officers.
DGP Krishna emphasized that training serves as the cornerstone of personal and professional growth, noting that the world's leading institutions and security forces thrive on continuous, high-quality training. He highlighted that the 40 officers selected for this pilot were chosen from a force of 4 lakh personnel, underscoring the pride and significance of this opportunity.
Focus on Communication and Public Interaction
Krishna further elaborated on the critical role of attitude and behavior in policing success. "Along with knowledge and skills, attitude and behavior are extremely important as they determine the real success of an officer," he stated. He stressed that communication—both verbal and non-verbal—holds special significance, as interactions with the public directly shape the image of the police force.
The DGP expressed confidence that this training would yield positive and constructive impacts, not only enhancing organizational effectiveness but also enriching the personal lives of participating officers.
TISS's Role in Fostering Human Sensitivity
Professor Badri Narayan Tiwari, Vice-Chancellor of TISS, highlighted the importance of connecting the Uttar Pradesh Police—the world's largest police force—with human sensitivity. "TISS aims to support the police in developing into a more sensitive, effective, and humane service," he remarked, emphasizing the institute's commitment to this transformative partnership.
Integrated Learning Approach
Sabharwal detailed that the program's primary objective is to enable police personnel to adopt a more efficient and balanced approach in addressing challenges related to behavior, communication styles, and modern technological platforms. These subjects are already integrated into the basic training programs for constables, sub-inspectors, and deputy superintendents of police.
The training model employs experiential and activity-based learning methods, including:
- Case-based discussions
- Role plays
- Real-life case presentations (Caselets)
This approach ensures practical application, skill integration, and professional readiness. The program is built on three integrated pillars:
- Behavioral Module
- Operational Soft Skills
- Caselets for real-life learning
By equipping officers to respond professionally, sensitively, and legally in high-pressure situations, public interactions, and digital environments, this pilot project sets a new benchmark for police training in India.
