Cops begin training on new crime codes in Chandigarh

Police in India have started preparing to implement the three new crime laws after the central government overhauled the criminal codes in the country, with Chandigarh being the first Union territory where training of personnel has begun through specialised classes, according to officials aware of the development.

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In Delhi, which is likely to be next in line for roll-out, a committee of retired police experts and those from the police's training unit are preparing a course on the new laws. And the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD), which looks at ways to modernising police work, has formed a task force to design modules to train personnel across the country, the officials cited above said. The task force has already prepared a five-day crash course, they added.

"In Chandigarh, the BRPD started the training on January 1. In different batches, field officers are taking the refresher courses. Separately, at the Chandigarh judicial academy, 175 investigating officers are taking courses," one of the officials said, seeking anonymity. "The aim is to ensure that all investigating officers and station house officers are well acquainted with the new laws and the process before it comes into force. BPRD will start a similar process for Delhi Police too." The Delhi Police has formed a 13-member committee headed by a deputy commissioner of police in this regard. The committee is working with four experts - two retired assistant commissioners and two criminal lawyers - to prepare course material, as per a January 2 order by the Delhi Police commissioner.