After forming a Rapid Response and Rescue Force (RRRF) for disaster relief operations, the state police now plan to impart scientific rescue training to more personnel, including the local police.
“We plan to utilise the services of trained men in the force to equip their colleagues in rescue operations,” said Armed Police Battalion ADGP B Sandhya.
Besides the RRRF, two batches of selected personnel of the armed police battalion trainees were given training in disaster relief operations.
“The idea is to utilise the services of the RRRF to train battalion personnel who in turn will coach local police personnel,” Sandhya said. “Two Kerala Armed Police (KAP) batches, of 30 personnel each, were imparted training in rescue operations. The new batch will also be trained by competent agencies,” she said.
The RRRF men were trained by National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
“A speciality of the training conducted for the RRRF batch was a session which had local participation,” Sandhya said. “The demo conducted at Puzhakkal Padam in Thrissur had the participation of local people too. Such efforts gain significance as the participation of local communities is crucial for rescue operations, especially during natural calamities,” she said. As part of its modernisation efforts in training programmes, the battalion trainees will also be given training in weapons and tactics by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
At present, a batch is being imparted jungle training in CRPF recruits training centre in Peringome, Kannur.