NSG to train 40 PCR drivers in defensive driving

Forty Delhi Police’s Police Control Room (PCR) drivers are being trained by National Security Guard (NSG) personnel in specialised driving skills to equip them deal with difficult situations.

The drivers have been trained in offensive and defensive driving during terrorist attacks and abduction bids - particularly when a VVIP is involved.

They have also been trained to free a hijacked vehicle by using the van as an attacking weapon.

“Defensive driving is basically when the vehicle comes under attack and the driver has to navigate it into safety. In case of offensive driving, a driver uses the van to either block the other vehicle or dominate it with his superior driving skills,” said a senior police officer.

“The drivers are taught how to take sharp u-turns, 360-degree-turn, and drive the vans through narrow streets where normal drivers wouldn’t dare to venture,” the officer added.
Ten drivers have already been trained at the NSG’s Manesar training centre and 30 others are waiting for their turn, said senior Delhi Police officers. These NSG-trained PCR drivers were stationed around the Red Fort during the Independence Day function, said police.

Delhi Police’s PCR personnel carry Glock pistol, MP-5 submachine gun, and a 9 mm pistol with them. At the NSG training ground they have further honed their shooting skills, especially while they are driving the vehicle.

Each PCR driver has gone to the NSG-training centre with 2000 rounds of bullets for a 10-day training period, said senior officers. “Although the drivers are already exposed to several kinds of driving situation, but we felt that NSG being the premiere agency of the country in dealing with terrorism and related hostile situation, it would be better if our drivers could help from their skills,” said OP Mishra, Additional Commissioner of Police (Operations). The PCR drivers are being put on advanced simulators and other high-tech gadgets at the NSG’s training centre.

PCR is the first response unit of the Delhi Police which reach at the crime spot before any other security unit. The need to equip the PCR drivers in skills at par with other specialised crime fighting agencies was felt in the wake of increasing armed conflicts and possible terrorist attack in the capital.

“These trained drivers will be deputed to Delhi Police’s Special Cell and in the event of terrorist attacks, judging by the situation, they will be the first to be sent at the location,” said a senior Delhi Police officer.

All the PCR drivers are under 35-years of age and have been sent to the NSG centre after clearing a rigorous physical test.