Ex-officials to train cops on new techniques

BANGALORE: If things go well, retired top officials of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), Intelligence Bureau (IB) and other agencies will train the state police on issues related to terrorism, new techniques in intelligence gathering, curbing the counterfeit currency menace, among others. The Institute of Contemporary Studies Bangalore (ICSB), an organisation established by retired top officials from Central agencies like RAW, IB and others, have approached the state police department in connection with training police personnel on the issues. The proposal has also got a green signal from the Home Department and is pending before the government for approval.A senior police official said that there were plans to start the training as soon as they got the government nod. “The sessions — Intelligence Tradecraft — will be held at Bangalore, Mysore, and Gulbarga for officers of the rank of sub-inspectors and inspectors. New recruits at the Karnataka Police Academy in Mysore and other police training centres of the state will get an opportunity to learn something new. The main focus of the training is to teach the officers about dealing with terror-related situations in Bangalore and other cities, which are soft targets of banned terror outfits,” the official informed.He said that the ICSB would deploy retired officials who are well versed in intelligence gathering. “The instructors are highly qualified and have a rich experience of working in India and other countries for about 35-40 years. The first course will be held in Bangalore and would be extended to Mysore and Gulbarga later,” he added.When Express contacted Director General of Police (Training), Sushant Mahapatra, he confirmed that the proposal was awaiting the government’s approval. “The ICSB approached the department and the Home Secretary has shown keen interest in training our policemen, including those who are working in the Internal Security Department. In the present scenario, it is highly essential to keep our force updated about sensitive issues. The courses would focus on national security, intelligence, strategic issues, military matters and other related issues,” he added.