Visakhapatnam Prison Leadership Training Ends, Focus on Crisis Response

A three-day training programme on “Leadership in Prison Administration”, sponsored by the Bureau of Police Research and Development, concluded at Central Prison, Visakhapatnam, on Friday. Officials said the programme focused on improving crisis response and strengthening reform-oriented prison management.

Inspector General of Prisons and Correctional Services, Andhra Pradesh, Indla Sreenivasa Rao, attended the valedictory session. He stressed the need for anticipatory leadership, emotional resilience, and lawful use of authority during custodial emergencies. He said prison leaders must balance firmness with a reformative approach, especially in tense situations such as riots. He also highlighted the importance of preparedness, clear communication, and coordinated response among staff. He appreciated the participation of officers and commended the organisers for conducting the programme effectively.

The final day began with a session on “Leadership in Prison Reforms” by Rucha Mishrikotkar, Assistant Professor of Law at Nyaya Vidya Parishad Law College, Visakhapatnam. She spoke about changing correctional practices, rehabilitation, and the role of humane leadership in modern prisons. Participants later worked in groups on a practical exercise titled “Leadership Action Plan for the Prison during an Imminent Prison Riot Situation”. They discussed risk factors, chain of command, and emergency procedures.

Superintendent M. Mahesh Babu said the programme covered leadership theories, emotional intelligence, team building, conflict management, prison reforms, and crisis leadership. He said the training combined classroom sessions, practical exercises, and limited field exposure inside the prison. Such programmes, he added, help officers respond better to real situations while following legal and human rights standards.

Deputy Superintendent Ch Surya Kumar and other senior officials were present at the valedictory session.