In a first-of-its-kind test, Bahpat Police took the task to test the skill of investigation officers titled ‘Baudhik Kshamta Pariksha’ (reasoning capacity test) aimed to assess the uniformed men knowledge of the new criminal laws Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023.
Interestingly more than 200 examinees including about 40 policewomen tried their luck over 75 questions which are to be answered in an hour under a tight vigil though some of them were caught cheating, sources in the city police said. They included 42 women police personnel. The examinations for cops came after DGP Rajeev Krishna had ordered officials to ensure that the men in uniform were handed assignments that matched their aptitude in areas like forensics, cybercrime, knowledge of law, outdoor policing and drafting. The examinees were police inspectors and sub-inspectors testing their reasoning capacity on knowledge of the three new criminal laws. The idea of the one-hour objective test held at Baghpat Police Lines came to Baghpat SP (Superintendent of Police) Suraj Kumar Rai upon noticing that the investigation officers were unable to effectively pursue cases and ensure conviction before the court.
“To overcome this shortcoming, we planned the ‘Baudhik Kshamta Pariksaha,” Rai told said. He also mentioned those who cleared the test with high scores would be tasked with the responsibility of key cases. “Those candidates who didn’t perform well would be trained in our training cell,” Rai added.
Asked about a video circulating on social media, purportedly showing examinees adopting unfair means during the exam, the SP said, “We are looking into it.” Station House Officer (SHO) of Baghpat Kotwali police station, who took the test, appreciated the initiative by the SP.
“All aspects of the day-to-day policing with emphasis on thorough investigation were tested in the examination. All the topics an investigation officer is supposed to know was covered,” he said.
He further said that the exam was “elaborate” and the cops were tested so that “maximum conviction can be ensured”. The tests also covered investigation related to crimes against women and the knowledge about new laws.
Sharing his experiences of the test, one of the SHO quipped that he had appeared in a departmental test in 2011 and now this after introduction of new laws, this was the first such test conducted. All the examinees lauded the efforts of Baghpat Police Administration and said that the examination had out of box questions and tested the practical aspect of law and order.
