Fitness is the new mantra for Assam Police

Department to come up with other alternatives for physically unfit police personnel

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: When we think of police personnel, the image that usually crops up in our mind is of policemen who are potbellied and who struggle to move around due to their body weight. There is a stark difference between the physical appearance of police personnel in real life and the police officers we see in movies. However, soon Assam Police personnel will also have well-toned bodies because now due stress has been laid on the physical fitness of police personnel. The Police Department is also considering different alternatives for physically unfit police personnel.

A slew of measures have been taken aimed at improving the fitness of Assam Police personnel, including regular and mandatory physical training (PT) and refresher courses. Also, a list of physically unfit police personnel is being prepared and the Police Department is likely to come up with some other alternatives for these police personnel.

Sources said, “Police personnel have to be active at work. For this, it is important that they remain physically fit. To ensure that police personnel of the Assam Police battalion and Assam Police headquarters stay in shape, physical training has been made mandatory. In addition, their Body Mass Index (BMI) is being monitored regularly.”

A senior police officer said, “Assam Police has strength of 65,000 personnel in non-gazetted rank. Physical health and fitness is of vital importance in every law-enforcement department. Policemen have a higher risk of physical and mental-related issues due to their hectic duty schedule. A healthy lifestyle allows one to live a full life with meaning and purpose.”

He further said, “Regular morning PT has been made mandatory for all police personnel. Besides, they will be given weight targets and their weight will be regularly monitored. Emphasis has been given on the fact that police personnel should work actively and they should look smart in uniform. Also, they must avoid tobacco and alcohol.”

It cannot be denied that police personnel have hectic duty. They have to deal with occupational stress and associated physical and mental health-related issues. “We come across cases where policemen commit suicide or assault their colleagues over trivial matters. This all because of the mental stress associated with their job. To reduce mental stress, we have refresher courses for Assam Police personnel,” said another senior police officer.

Sources said that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has laid emphasis on giving Assam Police a new look and shape. Steps are being taken to ensure people-friendly policing. “Common people often hesitate to approach the police for help. We are trying to get rid of all apprehensions in the minds of people. Besides the district headquarters, a grievance cell has also been started in the police headquarters. There is a complaint settlement system for immediate redressal of grievances and settlement of complaints. Anyone can file a complaint on the WhatsApp number 6026903490,” added sources.

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