Student police cadet project to begin in capital’s schools

Following a directive by the Ministry of Home Affairs in June to implement the Student Police Cadet (SPC) programme in schools across all states, the Delhi Police is set to begin the project in the capital’s schools.  Aimed at “training youth to contribute towards building a constructive society at the school level”, the programme will teach students about the law and issues related to substance abuse. Sources told the The Indian Express that Delhi Police have chalked out modalities of the programme. “If all goes well, it will begin from the next academic year,” an officer said.

Sources added that a team led by DCP-rank officers conducted a detailed study of the implementation of the initiative in Karnataka and Kerala. “This was first adopted by the Kerala Police in collaboration with the state’s education department in August 2010. We will work with the Delhi education department along similar lines,” an official said.

Under the project, the official said, police will train students to “respect the law, practice discipline and civic sense, and develop empathy towards vulnerable sections of society”. “The training will also strengthen the student’s commitment towards family, community and the environment. It will also help them resist negative tendencies such as substance abuse, deviant behaviour and intolerance,” he added.

Special Commissioner of Police Sanjay Beniwal said there is a need to sensitise students at the primary level: “They face many problems such as drug abuse and child abuse. During our skill development programme, which we started in low-profile localities, we sensitised youths below 18 years. Such an initiative in schools will bear better results.”

An officer said, “As part of the programme, a serving or retired officer may take classes. It will also include outdoor games and exercises under the supervision of the policemen. Certificates will also be distributed to those who complete the programme.”