In Ernakulam, the Kerala police seized two kilos of MDMA worth crores. MDMA (3,4-Methyl​enedioxy​methamphetamine), is a synthetic psychotropic drug  commonly called Ecstasy which causes hallucinations and extreme pleasure that starts in 45 minutes of consumption and lasts for six to eight hours. This was one of biggest seizure for a police force other than Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). The seizure was done on basis of information gathered by local police led by SI C R Biju.  It was his untiring effort that got him such big breakthrough. He was rewarded by the SP as best police official of the district in the entire month of November. 

He is not the only officer to get recognition for his stellar performance. IPS officer and SP (Rural) Ernakulam Dr. Vaibhav Saxena has started a monthly award for outstanding police officers. He initiated in his last posting in Kasargod and brought the legacy to Ernakulam too. Under this scheme the Ernakulam Rural Police honours its personnel to appreciate the good work of its officers and boost their morale.

A team has been formed which select the best official of the month out of the nomination sent by the Dy SPs of the district. In a conversation with Indian Masterminds, Dr. Vaibhav said, “It is basic human psychology. What works for me, works for 90% of the people. I would like to work in an environment where I am rewarded or recognized for the efforts and punished for my mistakes.”

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REWARDS ARE CATALYST 

No body likes to work in fear. If one is scared of punishment, he or she might work mechanically. They will be present physically but won’t be utilizing their 100% capabilities. Dr. Saxena strongly believes and promotes this in his every posting. He says, “Rewards act as catalyst. We can’t expect miraculous change with an award but there will be improvement. Achievement of others motivates people to aspire high. Recognition makes you feel good and impact your performance. Just like corporates, policing is a team job. And, a team is as good as its weakest member so it is important to keep everyone’s morale high.”

The reward scheme is attracting a lot of nomination. While the winner is promoted through newspaper and social media, the nominated officers’ work is also reflected in their service book which will eventually result in their promotion. Dr. Saxena says, “I find very amusing that the screening team struggles in selecting the one. This is our achievement”. The awards is open to all from constables to senior officers.

POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT IS MORE POWERFUL 

He also emphasizes that while he believes in reward rather than punishment but that doesn’t mean indiscipline is tolerated in his command. He strives to strike a balance in positive and negative reinforcement. Yet, according to him it is unnecessary to criticize anybody on not getting results. “The effort is what matters the most”, he adds. During his tenure in Kasargod, lots of chain snatching cases were being registered frequently. 

One of his best officer, Dy SP Sunil Kumar, was the in-charge of investigation. Despite trying various techniques, he was not able to crack the case. He came and asked his removal from the case. Dr. Saxena trusted his caliber. Instead of scolding him, he chose to recognize his old achievements. His good services were entered in the service book and Dr. Saxena sat with him to re-work the strategies. The same officer cracked the case in a week and all the chains were returned to the women. 

Now, in addition to the best police personnel every month, Ernakulam police officer is preparing an award for the officer who has a good work-life balance, is fit and doing his routine work with total honesty. “The idea is not every one can have outstanding achievement. Its important to recognize officers who work with full efficiency and are giving their 100% effort”, added the SP.