Kerala Police to get ‘smile training’ to improve public interaction

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Police personnel may soon be seen smiling more often instead of putting on a stern face. The Police Training College will provide special training to help officers smile, interact politely with the public and handle complaints and other issues in a calm manner.

The training will initially be given to officers in the ranks of Circle Inspector and Sub-Inspector. They will be taught to maintain eye contact and smile while interacting with complainants and to deal with difficult situations more gently. The initiative is also expected to help reduce stress among police officers.

The training is part of an effort to promote more courteous behaviour within the police force. The first session on smiling will last 20 minutes. A hybrid model combining technology-based training and other methods will later be used to provide the training to all police personnel.

The initiative was proposed by Police Training College Principal K. Muhammad Shafi. Stress management expert Dr Ajith Kumar will conduct the sessions. Officers will first be taught how to smile naturally and pleasantly. They will then practise different forms of laughter, including laughing face-to-face with another person and a relaxing laugh after breathing out fully. They will also be taught a form of healthy laughter while raising both hands.

Chennithala’s instruction

Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala had earlier directed police personnel to welcome people who approach police stations with various problems with a smile. However, smiling remained in “short supply” among police officers. Following this, smiling has now been included in the module designed to train police personnel in public interaction and behaviour.

Police officers are expected to treat the public with courtesy, propriety and appropriate empathy and to use decent and respectful language. These requirements are clearly laid down under Section 29(1) of the Kerala Police Act.

Smile and laughter can reduce stress, improve mood

Laughing triggers the production of endorphins, often referred to as the body's feel-good hormones. It can also reduce stress hormones and improve mood. Laughter is associated with better heart and lung function, improved blood circulation and lower blood pressure. It can also help reduce mental stress and anxiety while boosting confidence and encouraging positive thinking.

“Relieving work-related stress and interacting with the public with a smile will enhance the reputation of the force. Laughter/Smile training will help ensure polite behaviour.”

- K. Muhammad Shafi, Principal, Police Training College