Lesson for cops: Service with a smile

Now, a cop may fine you with finesse
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Ahmedabad: Next time you’re at a traffic signal, don’t fall off your bike in surprise if you see the smiling face of a cop who addresses you as ‘Sir’ before handing you a challan for not wearing a helmet!

Recognising the importance of soft skills today, traffic cops are trying to ensure that their public interface is as pleasant as possible. And, a leading citybased corporate house is collaborating with them in this effort.

Claris Lifesciences Ltd has initiated a three-day training session for over 380 newly-recruited traffic assistants, called the traffic brigade. This is part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities.
The workshop, which started on Tuesday, is going on at Tagore Hall. Three trainers have been roped in for the programme - RK Chopra, BN Dastoor and Wing Commander Lakhan Pal Singh.

The programme was inaugurated by police commissioner SK Saikiya. Also present at the function were Beena Handa, mentor organisation building of Claris Lifesciences, and joint commissioner of traffic police, Ahmedabad, Atul Karwal.“The basic purpose of the workshop is to equip the traffic brigade with soft skills and leadership qualities. They have a huge responsibility and interact with the public a great deal. The traffic department trains them on technical matters, such as rules and regulations. These sessions are about joy of working, pride of uniform, role play and real life situations,” said vice-president, human resources and corporate communications of Claris Lifesciences, Shyam Sharma.

Deputy commissioner of police (traffic) MM Anarwala told TOI that the workshop is being attended by 380 traffic marshals and 50 traffic branch personnel. “It’s being conducted by well-known motivational speakers and management experts and is focused on adaptability, positive attitude, discipline, striving for excellence and road safety,” he said.

The marshals will be seen from the first week of August, he added. The joint commissioner and deputy commissioner of traffic branch also addressed the recruits.