Surprise Tests to Assess Police Personnel’s Shooting Skills; Weapon Maintenance and Handling Also Under Scrutiny
Bhagalpur: The shooting skills of police personnel will now be assessed along with the way they store, handle and maintain their weapons. The new system is being introduced to make the Bihar Police force more professional, modern and prepared for every situation. Under the arrangement, senior police officials may conduct surprise inspections at any time to assess the preparedness of police personnel and their knowledge of weapon handling.
The state government has been continuously equipping the police force with modern weapons, including assault rifles and pistols. However, internal assessments have reportedly revealed that many police personnel are not adequately skilled in operating these advanced weapons. To address this gap, authorities will now examine not only firing skills but also the proper storage, cleaning, maintenance and carrying of weapons.
Surprise Tests Can Be Conducted at Any Time
Under the new system, police personnel may be tested on their shooting ability and knowledge of weapons without prior notice. The objective is to determine how prepared they are to use their weapons effectively during actual duty and emergency situations. Senior officers will be able to assess the readiness of police personnel at any time.
Marksmanship continues to be a major challenge for the police force. Questions have been raised about the firing ability of personnel during field duty and high-pressure situations, as well as their limited exposure to shooting ranges. The authorities will now focus on removing these shortcomings by encouraging the sharing of experience and technical skills among police personnel.
Bhagalpur Police Personnel Train in Jamalpur
According to Bhagalpur Police Line DSP Keshav Kumar, three police personnel have been assigned to look after and maintain the weapons at the Police Line. Police personnel from Bhagalpur are sent to Jamalpur in Munger district for shooting practice. Meanwhile, police personnel from the Kosi and Seemanchal regions receive shooting training at Birpur in Supaul.
The police headquarters believes that merely providing modern weapons is not enough. Police personnel must also have complete knowledge of their operation, maintenance and safe use. Better command over weapons is essential for making the right decisions and taking effective action in emergency situations.
Work Underway on Modern Hybrid Firing Ranges
Work is also progressing on the development of modern hybrid firing ranges in the state to improve the capabilities of police personnel. These ranges are expected to provide technology-based virtual and live-fire training facilities. This will give personnel better opportunities to practise under different situations and improve their operational skills.
The police headquarters has clarified that the purpose of surprise inspections is not to punish police personnel but to identify their weaknesses in time and help address them through proper training. Detailed instructions in this regard have reportedly been issued to Superintendents of Police in all districts.
Regular Training in Bhagalpur
In Bhagalpur, police personnel are being provided with information and training related to arms in shifts on Tuesdays and Fridays. In addition, special training sessions on weapons are conducted once every month at the Police Line.
Three armourers-in-charge are deployed at the Bhagalpur Police Line. They are responsible for maintaining the weapons and providing necessary technical guidance to police personnel whenever required. Bhagalpur SSP Pramod Kumar Yadav said that knowledge and training related to weapons are being continuously strengthened.
Police officials believe that surprise tests and regular training will provide a better assessment of the actual preparedness of the force. At the same time, weaknesses can be identified and addressed in time. The initiative is expected to help police personnel perform their duties more efficiently and effectively during emergencies and other challenging situations.
