An initiative aimed to address the psychological and social well-being of police personnel in the Central Zone of Tamil Nadu, the Central University of Tamil Nadu (CUTN) and the Tamil Nadu Police Department have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU was formally inked between the Registrar of Central University of Tamil Nadu and the Inspector General of Police, Welfare, Tamil Nadu on 27 February 2024 (Tuesday), solidifying a commitment to implementing a comprehensive Psychosocial Support Management Programme for police personnel in Central Zone Tamil Nadu.
Recognizing the immense importance of tending to the psycho-social and mental health issues faced by police personnel, the MoU seeks to enhance their overall quality of life. The program will be executed by CUTN with technical support from the MS Chellamuthu Trust and Research Foundation.
As part of this collaboration, awareness campaigns, seminars, workshops, and other educational activities will be organized to enlighten both the police personnel and the public about psychosocial issues, mental health concerns, and the detrimental effects of drug, alcohol, and substance abuse addiction.
To mark the commencement of this transformative initiative, Professor M Krishnan, Vice Chancellor of CUTN, and Justice CT Selvam, Chairperson of the Police Commission, inaugurated a three-day faculty training program titled "Reach Before You Teach - Empowering Mentors." The training program is designed to empower the trainers who will play a pivotal role in delivering psychosocial support to various groups, including the dedicated police personnel.
Professor M Krishnan, Vice Chancellor, Central University of Tamil Nadu said, "Psychology is an essential subject applicable to everyone, regardless of their field. People are under stress, grappling with psychosocial issues, and it is imperative that the trainers reaching out to diverse groups receive appropriate training. Our police personnel serve the nation tirelessly, always on high alert, which inevitably leads to stress. It is crucial for everyone to learn how to live happily."
Justice CT Selvam, Chairperson, Police Commission emphasized "Contemporary youth are nurtured in an environment where their desires are often readily met. Parents must learn to say no to children, and teachers must teach the youth how to learn and help the youth steer away from excessive dependence on technology."
Dr. Vithya, Head, Department of Psychology, and Dr. C Ramasubramanian, State Nodal Officer, Police Well Being Programme jointly organised and spearheaded this event that brings together academia, law enforcement, and the community.
Present during the event were Prof R Thirumurugan, Registrar; Prof Sulochana Shekhar, Controller of Examinations; Prof S Nagarajan, Dean Academics; and Prof P Srinivasan, Dean School of Behavioural Science, students, faculty and staff of CUTN.