PANAJI: In a bid to strengthen the anti-terror squad (ATS), Goa Police has launched a drive to induct more commandos into the unit from within the police force. Of the 20 police constables who applied, 14 have cleared the physical test.
Upon conclusion of the final selection round, the constables will be sent to the National Security Guards (NSG) training centre at Haryana for three months.
“Fourteen of the 20 applicants cleared a proficiency test that included running 5km in 25 minutes and 100m in 15 seconds, doing pull-ups, chin-ups and shuttle-running,” a senior police officer said.
The ATS presently has 90 commandos. The senior officer said that after the police department had decided to cancel its earlier decision to induct 35 personnel who were being trained at the police training centre, it had called for applications from police constables who sought to join the ATS. Subsequently, 20 constables showed interest.
Pointing out that Goa receives frequent terror alerts as it is an international tourist destination, the officer said that augmenting the squad’s strength would help cover the entire state in the event of any terror-related issues.
Meanwhile, the ATS conducted an 8-km run test for its commandos from Dona Paula to the GRP camp at Altinho. All commandos completed the run in good time and without injury.
