Ravikiran Deshmukh for Mumbai Mirror

• Worried about the rising number of suicides and violence within the ranks, government introduces psychological profiling for cops beginning with rookie constables 

Mumbai, Jul 26: The city police is putting its men and officers through pyschological-profiling to check their fitness to handle sensitive policing jobs as also to ascertain how well each of them handles stress.

While the first batch — comprising members of recently-recruited constabulary — have already undergone six pyschological tests over two days, the next in line are sub-inspectors and officers heading Special Investigation Teams.

Joint Commissioner of Police Rakesh Maria, who first introduced pyscho-profiling when he was in charge of training, said the policemen are being tested on the following parameters:

a) Capacity to handle stress.

b) Reaction to different situations.

c) Whether they are prone to violent behaviour.

d) Suicidal tendencies.

e) Criminal bent of mind.

f) Commitment to the job. 

“Psychological profiling gives us a better idea of which department or what kind of work a particular officer would be best suited for. Some policemen may be good in investigations, but may do badly where paperwork is involved. The tests tell us about their strengths and weaknesses which helps their seniors in utilising them properly,” he added.

Joint Commissioner of Police Rakesh Maria said those who fail the test are put through counselling sessions

The first batch of constables that underwent psycho-profiling was part of the massive exercise underway to recruit 22,000 police personnel in a phased manner, a Home Department official, who did not wish to be identified, said. The results of these tests have not yet been declared.

The official said pyscho-profiling would help the police prepare itself better for the challenges posed by international terrorism and the changing profile of crime.  “The nature of criminal activities has changed and so have methods of investigations.  The government expects the police to meet the challenges,” he added.

Additional Director General of Police, training, P N Dixit said psycho-profiling has now been made mandatory at the recruitmentTimes Ascent: Potential beyond boundaries  level for constables. “There are plans to extend it to all MPSC recruitments and also to the existing staff.” he said. Dixit said those who fail the test during the recruitmentTimes Ascent: Potential beyond boundaries will be rejected. As far as the existing staff are concerned, they may not be dismissed on failing the test, but may eased into less sensitive postings.

Since there was no financial provision for the tests, the government has taken an advance from the state contingency fund. Now the government has introduced a supplementary demand of Rs 36.47 lakh in the ongoing Monsoon session of the state legislature.

Cops in the dock

•  Sunil More, a constable with the Marine Drive police station raped a 17-year-old girl in a police chowki in April 21, 2005

•  Chandrakant Pawar, head constable with Sahar Police station raped a 15-year-old ragpicker on October 17, 2005

•  CISF constable Raj Namdeo shot dead his superior and took six colleagues hostage at the international air terminal at Sahar on May 24, 2003