TRACKING POLICE RECRUITS
PANAJI
Around 900 constable recruits may be from the same Goa Police force, but there is a striking contrast in one batch of 374 constable recruits undergoing training in the State and the other batch of about 500 recruits getting trained at the Delhi Police Training Academy (DPTA).
While the 374 trainees await practical training in handling firearms at a shooting range in Goa, their counterparts at the DPTA have already progressed through the intricate process.
The 500-odd trainees are currently undergoing training in mastering a wide range of firearms and honing their skills in firing exercises in Delhi.
On the other hand, the Police Training School (PTS) in Valpoi has been limited to instructing trainees in the art of aiming rifles by utilising its open ground for instructional purposes.
“It's a plain ground within the campus where aiming of rifles is taught,” a police inspector said, admitting the department does not have a shooting range after Maulinguem. Also, the Third Military Training Regiment (MTR) has not responded to its request allowing access to their shooting range for practical training.
Sources said that while the department awaits confirmation of slots from 3MTR, the current PTS batch is being taught to 'hold' a rifle. The training has started just recently. "The opening and closing of bolt titles and marching with the rifles are some basic teachings currently underway... The aiming of targets (paper targets) is taught to get familiar with rifles," he said.
It will be interesting to witness that both groups of the same batch will soon be deployed for the upcoming National Games 2023. The trainees from the DPTA are expected to arrive in Goa later this week only to report back to the institute to resume their training after the Games. The same follows with the trainees at PTS.
Besides the theory, the Goan recruits in DPTA are also undergoing outdoor training consisting of one of the crucial courses “ obstacles. This too allegedly lacks at PTS, Valpoi besides the non-operational firing simulators.
“Newly recruited Probationary Sub-Inspectors (PSIs) and Recruit Constables have been undergoing basic training since March/April 2023. This training includes both indoor and outdoor activities. We also have laid down guidelines for the period to assess their performance,” Director, DPTA, Vijay Singh told The Goan, when contacted for details on the status of training.
Around 4,000 trainees “ both newly recruited and serving “ are currently undergoing various training courses at the Academy, considered as the country’s best institute. Amongst these, around 500 recruit constables and a batch of 130 PSIs from Goa Police are being trained.
Singh revealed they are undergoing training in terms of a comprehensive defined syllabus for both indoor and outdoor activities. “In indoor training, emphasis is on Law subject and other theoretical subjects whereas in outdoor activities, the focus is on PT, parade weapon training, games, yoga and group activities. This includes the use of various firearms and firing practices. Outdoor training also involves obstacle courses, drills and related exercises,” he added.
Going back to March when the batch was divided into two groups to undergo the basic training at the respective places, these same 500-odd trainees, if not all, faced criticism for being highly disobedient. Adjusting to the strict code of conduct and behaviour, as well as the North Indian food was a major hurdle even as Goa Police intervened to their partial rescue.
