Stressed cops turn to psychological therapy
LUCKNOW: Overstressed police personnel of 112, the emergency response unit of Uttar Pradesh Police, are getting assistance from psychological counsellors with support from Lucknow University to fight depression, stress and other issues they suffer from while performing their duties.
According to senior 112 officials, close to 500 personnel have sought help from over 27 counsellors from across the country. The counsellors were arranged with the help of the psychology department of Lucknow University.
“The work load on 112 personnel has increased manifold due to the ongoing Covid-19
situation. They are now handling calls from people with no food or medicine along with the usual crime incidents. This excess work has put undue stress to our staff,” said a senior UP police official. Considering this, 112 and LU signed an agreement in April, naming it ‘samvad.’ The partnership has come a long way since then.
The 112 personnel have been asked to fill a form which is shared with experts. Then the personnel is connected with psychologist personally or via phone to discuss issues. The 112 administration makes it a point to keep all these communications a secret.
Moreover, the 112 has made some fundamental changes in the working style.
THE COUNSELLORS WERE ARRANGED WITH THE HELP OF THE PSYCHOLOGY DEPT OF LUCKNOW UNIVERSITY.
The working hours have been reduced to eight hours from the previous 12 hours. Also cops posted on vehicles are kept closer to their homes. The officials also make sure that the 112 personnel get time to spend with their family. “We have also set up a dedicated phone line where family members of 112 personnel can call,” said 112 officials.
In July, when several 112 employees tested Covid-19 positive and even the building was closed, it put more pressure on the cops posted there. The UP 112 has now imposed stringent measures to screen the workers and sanitise the work place. Personnel who are over 55 years of age have been given tasks that require very little human interaction.