Soon, more ‘professional’ cops at barricades

Delhi cops are getting schooled. Their syllabus: How to manage traffic at the hundreds of barricades put up across the Capital.

Delhi cops are getting schooled. Their syllabus: How to manage traffic at the hundreds of barricades put up across the Capital.

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Following a volley of complaints about traffic mismanagement and accidents at unmanned barricades in the past one month, Delhi Police have decided to train their personnel — from constables to inspectors — on how to check vehicles in a ‘professional manner’.

Starting Monday, officers would have to report at the police training college in Old Police Line, Model Town, and a batch of 110 personnel would be taught daily.

Barricading was increased in the Capital following the December 16 gang rape. The bus in which the crime took place crossed at least four police check posts, but was not stopped even once despite having tinted windows and curtains.

While increasing barricades has been widely seen as a positive step, an on-ground survey revealed that many of them were unmanned, and officers were not conducting vehicle checking properly.

“There have been complaints about our officers. We will provide them day-long training to reduce such problems,” a senior officer said. “The training is aimed at dealing with commuters politely and professionally.”

During training, cops will be shown videos recorded from the spot to help them identify mistakes. An interactive session, a lecture and a live demonstration will also be part of the lesson.

“The participants will also be taught where to put the barricades after checking is over and how to maintain them properly,” the officer said.

“This is a welcome step. But unless scientific and research-based training is provided, this would be of no use,” cautioned Rohit Baluja, president of Institute of Road Traffic Education (IRTE).