VIBHA VERMA
vibha@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: Goa government’s ambitious plans to introduce firing simulators for its police force has been delayed due to red tapism.
Senior Home ministry officials said the file has been held back without the expenditure sanction from the State government, though it has gone through various sanctions mandatory for such a project. The facility is proposed to be installed at Police Training School in Valpoi ~ the only facility to train the future police of the State.
The Police Department has already put out bids for four-lane indoor shooting range, costing Rs 60 lakh under the Scheme for Modernization of the State Police Force. Hyderabad-based Zen Technologies Ltd has won the bid but awaiting final government approval to begin the project.
PTS Principal (IPS) Atmaram Deshpande revealed that the simulators essentially create realistic firing experience. The facility provides trainees with multiple scenarios of different types of terrain, includes complex environmental conditions and it also replicates day and night, and various climatic conditions which affects the marksmanship.
“Simulator enables personnel to be trained on different weapon systems quickly and efficiently. They learn to fire accurately under various climatic conditions and stress levels before being taken to the actual outdoor shooting ranges,” he explained.
The efficacy of simulator based training result vis-a-vis direct shooting range training is extremely high, the officer said.
The performance of the trainees is rated immediately that helps to correct the aiming and musketry technique.
“The main computer of the firing simulator not only creates various environmental and shooting conditions; it also calculates the score, and retraces the rifle movement and trigger handling. The system further conveys the feedback as to how each trainee has fared,” said Deshpande adding, “The instructors accordingly correct the aiming and musketry technique of the trainees.”
However, the current batch of 643 constables regrettably will not be able to experience the advanced training as their passing out parade is scheduled in June 2014 after the completion of nine-month basic training at PTS. This could have been the first batch to practice and hone shooting skills through simulation technology.
Deshpande believes the next batch of 550-odd constables, vacancies for which will soon be advertised with due approval from the Election Commission, may be exposed to this training subject to final approval. The Department expects to commence the training by September after the completion of recruitment process even as four 7.62 self-loading rifles are already readied for the practice sessions.
Goa police’s newly inducted personnel are hitherto undergoing target shooting practice at Maulinguem firing range in Bicholim that comprises 10 lanes at various distances from the firing to target points.
The officer informed that different fire arms including pistols, revolvers, MP5, AK47, 9MM, Carbine, Insas, SLRs and other approved rifles are used to practice at a distance of 20, 50, 100, 300 and 500 meters.
Another proposal for modernized solar water heaters to use for various welfare activities as well as kitchen work is also approved under the police modernization but are pending final sanction.
