Working 24*7 and sometimes beyond that too, police personnel are always stressed. Peaceful rest, sleep and comfort is often the last thing on their priority list. This stress gradually starts reflecting in their attitude, temper and personality.
Under the direction of the Commissioner of Police, Bhopal, Mr. Makrand Deoskar, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Dr. Vineet Kapoor has initiated some projects that could provide some respite in the livewire lives of police personnel.
MODERN MAHILA THANAS
Creating a separate and safe space for women has become a necessity in today’s time. Female victims are more comfortable expressing their grievances in front of a woman police officer, as compared to men. Several districts have separate mahila thanas for this reason.
But, equally important is creating an atmosphere that offers female victims a sense of protection and safety and helps them maintain their composure while discussing their issues.
In light of this, senior Bhopal police officials renovated the mahila thana and based it on victim-centric facilities and service delivery outlets, where victim-centric spaces have been mainstreamed.
“The guest lounges, children’s play areas, feeding areas, psychological support rooms, and investigative rooms are all designed to provide a victim-centred environment. Female victims will be given a cosy environment and a compassionate ear,” Dr. Kapoor told Indian Masterminds.
BUILDING EMPATHY FOR VICTIMS
Most police officers, despite their best efforts, are not appropriately equipped to identify, diagnose, and investigate the psychological underpinnings of criminals’ actions. Research-based evidence demonstrates that mental health issues have become more prevalent in the post-pandemic environment.
The police personnel are under pressure during their interface with the local communities. The Bhopal police are imparting training to the jawans and officers to become barefoot counsellors. The training will focus on:
- The concept of ‘counselling’ in the post-pandemic world.
- Understanding psychological and behavioural issues manifested in local communities.
- Exposure to essential micro-skills of counselling in the post-pandemic world
- Opportunities to practice the same
NEW PARADE FESTIVAL
The Bhopal Police Commissionerate arranged ‘New Parade Utsav’ – a workshop for self-enrichment and capacity development for the welfare of the police officers. The initiative focused on the physical and mental health besides emotional wellness of the employees.
In the 19 camps that the Commissionerate arranged, 75 individuals were trained in batches per week. The staff was then subjected to physical parameters, pathology tests, body-mask index tests, and emotional health testing
“They were then inspected by doctors and counselled on proper eating, living, and exercise practises. They were also taught stress management, anger management, and emotion control to preserve good mental health,” shared Dr. Kapoor.
Now the scheme is being implemented at the state level as well. “The staff is delighted. The workers felt agonised or irritable earlier when the workload felt too heavy. But following the training, their bodies and minds are at ease, and workflows effortlessly,” claimed Mr. Deoskar.
