Police personnel are regularly sensitised: Govt data
Amresh Parab
Panaji: A total of 119 complaints were lodged against police personnel before the Goa police in over five years, alleging misconduct or unprofessional behaviour by the persons in uniform.
Of the 119 complaints, the police have disposed of 51 complaints while inquiry has been in progress in 68 such cases, government data said.
According to police officials, regular briefing of police personnel is held by the Director General of Police (DGP) and other supervisory police officers.
Besides, behavioural training is conducted to inculcate citizen-friendly behaviour in them.
As per available information, the complaints of misconduct or unprofessional behaviour by the police personnel include allegations of harassment, rude treatment, extortion or mishandling of cases particularly cases pertaining to altercations between tourists and locals.
Referring to the measures being taken up to sensitise the police personnel, police officials said the Goa police department regularly undertakes steps to sensitise its personnel on important social, legal and ethical aspects such as gender sensitivity, community outreach, child rights and the handling of complaints.
The training is also aimed at fostering a people-friendly and responsive policing system.
On some court judgments highlighting lapses by the police in investigations or conduct, a senior police officer said the police department had issued directions to all units at various meetings emphasising adherence to legal protocols, accountability, and timely action.
The officer said that additionally steps were taken to enhance training programmes focusing on legal awareness, professional conduct, and case handling procedures to prevent the recurrence of such lapses so that case is properly presented in the court of law.
It is pertinent to note that the government constituted a standing committee in November 2020 under the chairmanship of the deputy inspector general of police (crime and range).
The committee holds meeting every month to examine the judgments in cases which resulted in acquittal and record the reasons for the acquittals as well as fix the responsibility of the same.
