UP Police Prepare for Comprehensive Training of New Constable Recruits
As the Uttar Pradesh police gears up to finalize the recruitment of an impressive 60,244 constables, a meticulously crafted training program has been outlined. This initiative, stretching over a substantive 13-month period, reflects the department’s commitment to modern policing and crime prevention in an increasingly complex digital landscape.
The training regimen is set to take place across 112 centers throughout the state. A distinguishing feature of this program is the significant emphasis on cybercrime, a reflection of the rising threats posed by technological advancements. Recruits will be trained in crucial areas such as cryptocurrency, surveillance of the dark web, and the development of soft skills necessary for effective community interaction.
Tilotma Verma, Director General (Training), provided insights into the structure of this innovative training module during a conversation with The Times of India. She emphasized that a one-month introductory training session will occur following the completion of formalities by the recruits at their designated districts. This will be succeeded by a rigorous nine-month basic training phase at ten police training institutes and 102 recruit training centers statewide. The final segment of the training involves three months of practical field experience, ensuring the recruits are well-versed in real-world applications of their training.
To uphold a standard of excellence in instruction, the police training directorate has engaged over 1,200 police officers and 3,500 master trainers, along with subject-matter experts. This diverse team will cover essential areas such as computers, telecommunications, and forensic science, reinforcing the importance of a multifaceted approach to police training. Furthermore, the pedagogy team responsible for instruction is currently undergoing supplementary training to better equip them for the task at hand.
Vital to this program is its proactive stance towards the evolving legal framework within which law enforcement operates. Recruits will receive in-depth education on three new significant criminal laws — the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA). Emphasis will also be placed on scientific evidence collection methodologies, including techniques for videography and photography at crime scenes. Recruits will learn the procedures for properly linking and uploading this crucial evidence to the First Information Report (FIR) through the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS).
With the alarming increase in cybercrime incidents, the curriculum has integrated comprehensive training modules on the Information Technology Act. Recruits will be instructed on the protocols for reporting cybercrime, procedures for digital arrests, and advanced digital threats including scams related to cryptocurrencies, as well as activities within the deep and dark web. Verma highlighted that recruits will acquire the confidence and skills necessary to effectively manage digital evidence and respond adeptly to cyber threats.
Notably, technology skills form a cornerstone of this training program. Trainees will familiarize themselves with a variety of digital tools, including MS Office and pivotal mobile and web applications like e-Sakshya (evidence management), e-Prison (inmate management), UPCOP (for citizen-centric services such as electronic FIRs), TRINETRA (for criminal tracking), NAFIS (a fingerprint identification system), and the e-Challan system.
In addition to technical training, the program addresses the critical need for human rights awareness and the development of soft skills. Specialized trainers and master instructors have been appointed to facilitate sessions aimed at enhancing communication prowess, gender sensitivity, ethical policing, and public interaction skills among recruits.
Moreover, the curriculum includes modules that focus on the role of police in disaster management and urban traffic regulation. Outdoor physical training will not only target improving physical endurance but will also instill practices for long-term fitness, nutrition, injury-free exercise methods, stress management, and mental resilience.
Tactical readiness is another essential component, with fieldcraft and tactical drills designed to prepare constables for diverse operational environments. This includes training for both urban and rural contexts, as well as arms training tailored for the specific challenges presented across various locales in Uttar Pradesh.
To ensure uniformity in education across all training centers, the police training directorate has compiled an extensive repository of over 1,200 lesson plans, PowerPoint presentations, curated instructional videos, and supplementary literature. This initiative aims to guarantee that every recruit, regardless of their location, receives top-tier training that empowers them to meet the demands of modern policing.
As the UP police embark on this ambitious training journey, it signals a decisive step toward equipping law enforcement personnel with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate and mitigate the complexities of contemporary crime, particularly in the digital realm.