A computer training course for all trainee police personnel has been made necessary as part of the new police training curriculum from this year.

With the changing pattern of crimes and terror attacks, including cyber crimes, hacking, credit card forgery, among others, a draft for upgrading the syllabus for police training was formulated a few years ago.

“We had formulated a draft a couple of years ago on how to upgrade the syllabus. We are now focusing on new technology that personnel can learn to cope with the latest techniques of crime. Along with this, we have also started various rigorous physical training programmes,” said Sanjay Singh, DIG, Police Training College.

Singh said the new course is aimed at equipping the police with modern warfare techniques. It trains personnel in computer and forensic science, theoretical and practical classes on both semi-automatic and automatic weapons like Insus, AK-47 and AK-74.

“The order has been formally implemented from January this year. We have also started some new physical training programmes, including rock climbing and battle obstacle, which are already there,” said Singh.

The new curriculum also includes training to senior police officials who are already in the force. “We are also providing in-service training for the serving officers,” said Singh.

While new recruits will undergo an eight-month training, the rest will be given a one-year training as part of the intense training programme of the Kolkata Police.

Apart from weapons training, horse riding, new kinds of drills, parades, and rough games besides learning police laws are part of the new syllabus. The course also includes special classes on manufacturing of bombs and its disposal.

According to officials of the police training college, a brand new forensic laboratory and museum have also been set up by experts of the state forensic department on the college premises.