Panjim: At a time when the 7,000-odd police force have sacrificed their family life to join the fight against COVID-19, the department’s motivating initiative – Cop of the day – has rewarded over 90 personnel in one month.
Besides boosting the morale of the personnel through public appreciation, the performance is also being recorded in their service books that would be considered at the time of annual assessment.
“These are tough times for all of us. The staff of Goa Police has dedicated itself wholeheartedly in the fight against COVID-19. ‘Cop of the day’ is an effort to appreciate all the staff that is out there and doing its best. It has helped to not only reward and recognize good work but also serves an inspiration to all of us to continue doing better,” said Superintendent of Police (SP) Shobhit Saxena. while speaking to Herald.
A month ago, on April 13, Goa Police launched the scheme wherein the district SPs and Traffic SP nominate one policeman from their respective jurisdictions, as ‘Cop of the day’ for efficient work during the lockdown, particularly with reference to helping out hand to vulnerable sections of people such as senior citizens.
As on date, over 90 policemen of different ranks have been rewarded Rs 1,100 each and a commendation. Be it strictly enforcing the lockdown to attending calls, helping people including migrants in distress, booking violations or providing relief materials to the needy; the men-in-khaki have been winning accolades from the people. The award is boosting their morale, another officer said.
The scheme, introduced to boost the morale of the policemen during the lockdown, is not likely to end anytime soon. Saxena added, “It will continue for now. We haven’t thought of an end date as such. Our focus right now is our fight against COVID-19.”
With each policeman’s performance being assessed, the reward will now be an added advantage. Saxena confirmed that the Cop of the day data is recorded “in their service books.”
“Yes, all (those nominated for the award) are formally rewarded by the SPs. They are given a commendation certificate along with a monetary reward, which are recorded in their service books and are considered at the time of all kinds of assessment,” he said.
