Latest news with #ThomsonJose
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
From analog to digital: Thiruvananthapuram cops switch wireless system
Thiruvananthapuram: Until recently, frequent interruptions of wireless communication created a major security threat for city police. This was especially problematic when transmitting crucial information during criminal hunts and coordinating special operations. The analog system used in the wireless sets was easy to crack and often communication was interrupted by wireless devices used by fishermen. To resolve the issue, city police have revamped their old analogue-based communication system with most advanced digital mobile radio (DMR) technology at a cost of Rs 6 crore. Recently, nearly 1,000 wireless devices on DMR technology were handed over to the law and order and traffic wings as part of the initiative. The initiative is part of a state-wide digitalisation drive and it was first implemented in Thrissur. But due to some litigation, the project was delayed and the unspent amount was later rerouted for Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi city police. While areas like Kazhakkoottam, Vizhinjam and Kovalam were out of reach of the old analog wireless system, the new devices cover the length and breadth of the city. During Union home minister Amit Shah's visit to the district in July, the city police had to put extra effort into coordinating security measures in place owing to the interruptions in the wireless communication system. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Rude Neighbor Cuts Down Tree, Freezes When Something Came Out Of The Trunk Undo The communication was frequently interrupted by wireless devices used by fishermen at sea to alert others about fish shoals. The old system was prone to being either hacked or accessed by unauthorised frequencies. By tuning using Chinese FM radios or other radio sets at wavelengths close to 80MHz/140MHz, one could easily access the police frequency. According to police sources, the new system consists of one main control site and several other repeater sites to provide secure digital voice and data. The new DMR system offers features like real-time communication and also helps in sending photos from incident sites to control rooms. It also allows interoperability, enabling communication with other emergency services like fire, ambulance, coast guard, etc. "The work to switch over to the digital system is complete and the city police have started using it. It is more encrypted and possesses unique security features. The earlier analogue-based system had several drawbacks, including security risks and was able to be accessed by unauthorised frequencies. The new system gives full coverage of the entire city with clearer voice communication. It also reduces the risk of jamming. Since it is GPS-enabled, tracing the location of the devices is possible and it can be operated remotely," said city police commissioner Thomson Jose. He also said that even though there were some issues while switching over to the new system, all of them were properly addressed and resolved. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and s ilver prices in your area.
Time of India
23-04-2025
- Time of India
Six-member team to provide self-defence training to police personnel in Thiruvananthapuram city
T'puram: In view of the rising attacks against police personnel, city police commissioner Thomson Jose is all set to provide them with self-defence training to face challenging situations. A six-member team of veteran martial arts practitioners from the force has been constituted to provide training for nearly 1,000 officers from all stations within the city limits. Personnel in each station will receive two hours of training per day for a week. This year, several incidents of assaults against police personnel have been reported from various parts of the district. Last month, Poojappura station sub-inspector Sudheesh SL faced attacks twice. In the first instance he was stabbed by a goon, Sreejith Unni, while trying to prevent him from creating a law-and-order situation at Tirumala. In another incident, a man attacked the officer using wooden logs near Parekavu temple at Tirumala while trying to resolve a dispute. According to data shared by the district crime records bureau, there is a significant rise in assaults on police personnel, with 37 cases registered in 2024, compared to 12 cases in 2022 and 19 in 2023. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo This year, so far six officers were injured in attacks. "The total strength of police officers in the city is 3,500, including staff members. However, training is essential for nearly 1,000 of them. We hope that the initiative will help build self-confidence among police personnel to face any confronting situation and constant practice will improve their reflexes. Private martial arts trainers have also expressed their willingness to train officers on self-defence, but no decision has been made yet on incorporating them," said Jose. The second phase will be implemented based on the results of the first phase. The second phase will cover more officers, added the top cop. The six trainers were chosen from various departments such as the cyber wing, armed police battalion, etc. The initiative has received positive response from the personnel as the programme will help equip them with skills to defend themselves from assailants. "It is an essential initiative as it helps keep us fit and the defence techniques equip us to defend against assailants with confidence. After police training, most of the cops do not get such classes and the hectic schedule usually leads to lifestyle diseases. We are grateful for the proposed training programme," said Shajimon P, station house officer of Poojappura police.
