“Sir, we are trying to risk our lives every day when we get out of our house to work, all for these people. And here they are attacking us violently every time we try to inform or question them about not following the COVID protocols. I don’t think I can do this anymore”, a police constable reacted to the violent attack on the inspector in Indore.
Along with the hospitals and healthcare professionals, policemen too have responsibilities to shoulder during the COVID19. During this pandemic, they are entrusted with the job of ensuring the public is following the lockdown protocols, responding to any urgent calls of illness, ensuring smooth transit of a patient from his home to the hospital besides their regular set of duties to maintain law and order.
“Along with the pending and new cases of robbery, fraud, rape and so much more we are extending our workload with yet another responsibility of patrolling every day even in the smallest of lanes because no single location can be left. I know it is important for me to keep a check on the current situation and I am doing my job diligently, but I am experiencing a sense of growing anxiety which I am not able to handle”, says Laxman, a police personnel deployed in Nagpur.
Though they are doing everything with a never-say-die attitude, but all the morbid stories around, the fast spread of the infection, the need to stay indoors etc is stressing them out too. They are reporting anxiety, restlessness, feelings of depression, anger, and even a lack of control over the situation. At such times, it comes to the team leader to take a strong hold of his team. He can
1) Be flexible but with clear expectations: During hard times just as normal people, your team members too might have a few personal problems that mingle with the concern and anxiety towards their as well as their family’s safety. In such times, it is important for you to give a listening ear and be flexible while allocating the work. While doing so, make your expectations clear so that your team knows that you are concerned about them and their well-being but the allotted job has to be followed with discipline.
2) Be strong and acknowledge the pressure: When you as a leader are strong and portray positive emotions, it makes your team believe and trust in you. Even if the conditions seem difficult they will always turn towards you to provide the right solutions during a difficult time. Be their role model.
3) Acknowledge and celebrate small joys and victories: If the area under your team has reported some good news, take time out to congratulate the people involved in it and extend your thanks. This helps in boosting morale.
4) Stand up for your team when there is a need: If it is about acquiring safety gear for your team, additional people, etc., stand up and fight for your team with the superiors. You may or may not get your way, but it is a great feeling for them to know that someone is ready to fight for them.