Job development: Cops not getting mandated arms training

Police short of personnel, funds for ammunition.

LAHORE:

The rules say that policemen must go on two weapons training courses each year, but many have never gone on refresher courses and are unprepared for live combat.

“The criminals have much more training firing weapons than police personnel,” an inspector said on the condition of anonymity. “It puts the lives of law enforcers in danger.”

Many policemen don’t even know how to maintain their weapons, said another inspector. He said that a recent heist in Faisal Town, where five men dressed as police took several cops hostage and cleaned out a bank in 10 minutes, illustrated how weak the police were.

“They are not cowards who are scared, but they are simply not trained for any sort of warfare,” he said.

A constable said that he had not fired a single shot since 2004. He said that he did not even know if his gun still worked. According to the Police Rules of 1934, personnel are supposed to be sent for fire arms training twice a year.

A superintendent of police said that it was difficult to send constables for training as the force was severely short staffed and the constables could not be spared. “Yes training is important but who will do their duties while they are away?”

Another senior officer said that training courses were not being held because the police department was short of funds for ammunition. They said that the training, apart from improving their shooting, gave policemen “the courage to fire when needed rather than doubt their abilities”.

SP (Headquarters) Ather Waheed told The Express Tribune that refresher courses would be started in October. He admitted that it was a challenge because of lack of funds. He said the firearms training would be held at the Manawan or Chuhng police schools, since the police lines only had a pistol firing range. “We are also starting counter-terrorism courses at Qila Gujjar Singh,” he said.

About other training courses, the SP said that policemen and policewomen were also getting computer training at a 20-computer lab, while the police reserves were getting anti-riot training. Also, officers returning from suspension, or Alpha Company, are regaining their fitness in three-hour exercises, he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 7^th, 2011.