THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In preparation for the upcoming enforcement of revised criminal laws, approximately 60,000 policemen including civil police officers are undergoing training across all police districts. Eminent lawyers are conducting the training sessions at the Police Academy in Thrissur and the Police Training College in Thiruvananthapuram.

Scheduled to take effect from January next year, the delay in implementation is attributed to the comprehensive training provided to law enforcement personnel. The new regulations replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).

Key highlights of the training program:

1. Training Module for Senior Officials: IPS officers and other senior officials will follow a module prepared by the central authorities.

2. Focus Areas: The training emphasizes essential skills such as registering FIRs, collecting evidence and issuing charge sheets. Video and audio recordings, along with geo-tagging crime scenes and seizure procedures are integral parts of the training.

3. Language Proficiency: Police personnel will be instructed in the local language for effective communication.

4. Written Examination: After a short course, officers will undergo a written examination. Those who do not pass will have the opportunity to retake the exam.

Revised rules:

1. Indian Code of Civil Procedure: Replacing the IPC is the 1860 Indian Code of Civil Procedure.

2. Indian Civil Protection Code: The CrPC, 1898 is replaced by the Indian Civil Protection Code.

3. Indian Evidence Act: The Evidence Act of 1872 is replaced by the Indian Evidence Act.

4. Digital Proof Emphasis: The significance of digital evidence is elevated with phone, video, audio, CCTV and tower location data all considered critical. Previously regarded as secondary evidence, digital proof will now be treated as primary evidence.