Licence to drive: Police women to get training soon

Bengaluru: The state police department, which believes that women personnel are no lesser then men, is planning to introduce driving and riding training programme for all women staff across the state.

Police patrol vehicles, both two and four-wheelers, are being driven by men and when there is a dearth of drivers, there is no one to take the wheels. Now, there is a plan to ensure that even women staff are trained how to ride and drive, as it will come in handy during crises.

A senior police officer said, “It was proposed a couple of years ago, but for some unknown reason, it was kept on hold. But this time, we are insisting that women personnel are trained to ride and drive and send them to get driving licences. This will not only help them to be independent but also help the force, as they too can drive when the need arises.”

He said, “We want our women force to be equal in everything they do. This proposal will be discussed with other senior police officers and a plan will be drawn up on the training programme. Once their driving and riding skills are certified by trainers, we will ask them to get the licence from the transport department.”

Another officer said either the department drivers will train the women staff or the department will take the help of a private agency which can provide them with women trainers. “We are looking at different options and will ensure that the training begins soon. Our priority is to make sure that every woman personnel knows how to drive and ride. We will also select the women staff by keeping their age as criteria,” he said.