E-Paper
Cops to get combat tips
NOW POLICE constables would learn tactics to fight HIV/AIDS. Police Department along with the Uttar Pradesh State AIDS Control Society (UPSACS) and UNAIDS is going to implement a project for the first time under which all police constables across the State would be exposed to HIV prevention.
NOW POLICE constables would learn tactics to fight HIV/AIDS. Police Department along with the Uttar Pradesh State AIDS Control Society (UPSACS) and UNAIDS is going to implement a project for the first time under which all police constables across the State would be exposed to HIV prevention. Police constables, because of their living conditions, are prone to be exposed to such indulgences that might cause them HIV infection. They live in groups in barracks. They also don’t get leave to go home and that results into their indulgence in unsafe sexual relationships. But till now, these constables have never been exposed to any sort of training or awareness programme that can make them aware of HIV prevention, informed Inspector General (Crime) UP Police, Praveen Singh.
He said there are a total of 1.2 lakh constables and 25,000 head constables in UP. Most of them belong to the rural set-up and unaware of HIV/AIDS. This would be the first time when they would be exposed to any HIV awareness programme. These awareness sessions would be held in each district that would focus on three things. First, in a short-term training session, all constables would be informed about HIV/AIDS—its causes and prevention and methods of self-protection. Secondly, all constables would be tested for HIV and third and the foremost point of this project would be to change the mindset of the policemen. They would be trained to become a catalyst to encourage HIV prevention in the areas where normal campaigns do not reach.
These policemen visit red light areas while their routine patrolling where they can play a good role for promoting condom use among the commercial sex workers. They can also spread words for using separate syringes while raiding drug peddlers’ dens.
An official of UPSACS said the schedule has been chalked out and the dates for workshops in each district is at final stages.
