CHANDIGARH: More than a month after the terrorist attack on the Air Force station in Pathankot, the Punjab Police officers are getting an advanced training from the Army in order to be more ‘efficient and effective’.
Confirming the report, Additional DGP (Security and Training) M K Tewari said, “We have sent 92 officers, including 24 members of SWAT, to different locations. They will spend two weeks with the army officers.’’
“The SWAT has been sent to Nahan in Himachal Pradesh while rest of the officers have gone to Zirakpur, Jalandhar and Pathankot Army bases,’’ he said, adding that the state police will send another batch of officers for the training soon.
Sources said the first batch of officers began training this week at different locations. For the first time, they are being trained by the army to handle IEDs and anti-terrorist operations.
“From the next month, we will also start training our personnel for VVIP security duty. Two trainers who have retired from the central agencies, including the Intelligence Bureau and then Trainers of Trainees, will assist us.’’
In a major step towards police reforms, the department is sending a proposal to the state home ministry to abolish the posts of DIG (Ranges) and IGP (Zones).
The proposal also asks for the creation of IGP (Range) post. The department believes that this will improve policing.
The state is also considering to create new police range and there is a possibility that Panthankot will be made one. A 35-acre plot of land has been provided to create a police line in the town.