Transforming Tourism Safety: Goa Partners with RRU for Innovative Policing Training Program

On September 15, 2025, a groundbreaking training program on tourism policing kicked off in Panaji, Goa. The School of Internal Security and SMART Policing at Rashtriya Raksha University, in partnership with the Goa Police, welcomed police officials from several regions, including Jammu and Kashmir and Lakshadweep. This five-day residential course aims to equip law enforcement officers with the skills needed to ensure safety and professionalism in the tourism sector.

The training began with a warm address by Mr. Vishal Katariya from Rashtriya Raksha University. He emphasized the significance of this program for enhancing police effectiveness in handling tourism-related challenges. The goal is to foster secure environments for visitors while respecting local cultures.

Shri Bhawani Sinh Rathore, Director of SISSP, shared the idea of “Atithi Devo Bhava,” urging officers to collaborate in improving India’s tourism ranking. He discussed plans to tackle issues identified in previous brainstorming sessions, underlining the need for proactive strategies in tourism policing.

Goa’s DGP, Shri Alok Kumar, highlighted the importance of understanding the local tourism ecosystem. He spoke about infrastructure development and addressing the challenges that arise from tourist activities, such as crimes and misconduct. Training in cultural sensitivity is particularly crucial in Goa, where tourist behavior sometimes affects local life.

The program covers vital topics such as crisis management, emergency response, communication skills, and the use of technology in policing. Participants will engage in hands-on sessions that can significantly bolster their capabilities in various scenarios.

With 78 officers from five regions involved, the training also aims to foster cooperation among different law enforcement agencies. Effective communication and shared experiences will help create a unified approach towards tourism safety.

Tourist police in Goa have been around since the 1990s. These officers assist visitors and address issues like harassment or complaints. However, challenges persist, including unregulated rentals and unruly behavior by tourists. Well-trained officers can mitigate these problems by enforcing regulations and enhancing cultural understanding.

While Goa is considered a relatively safe destination, there is always room for improvement in response times and detection rates. Recent statistics indicate that areas with specialized training see a boost in visitor trust and safety outcomes. With advancements in technology, tools like AI can aid police in surveillance and emergency management, promoting better outcomes in tourism.

Furthermore, topics like health optimization and pollution control are crucial. Overcrowding poses risks to both tourist satisfaction and environmental sustainability. By training police to manage these issues effectively, Goa can strive for a balance between tourism growth and natural preservation.

This initiative demonstrates a significant step forward in aligning tourism with law enforcement. The blending of diverse experiences from different regions enriches training and fosters adaptable approaches to varying local challenges.

For more on the impact of such training programs, consider exploring reports from recognized sources like the World Tourism Organization.

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