The SMART patrol training under “Law Enforcement Strengthening System for National Park Management” has been organized by Protected Area Regional Office 3 (Ban Pong). The aims of training are to enhance competency and skills of technology and equipment usage for patrol rangers together with using SMART Program (Spatial Monitoring And Reporting Tool) for patrol database management and patrol planning within their responsible areas.
There are 2 trainings which are SMART patrol training for 53 patrol rangers during 16-18 September 2015 and SMART program training for 36 database administration officers in19-23 September 2015 at Sai Yok National Park, Kanchanaburi Province. Participants come from various departments such as Forest Preservation and Protection Offices, Forest Preservation and Protection units, Erawan National Park, Chaloem Rattanakosin National Park, Phu Toei National Park, Thong Pha Phum National Park, Lam Khlong Ngu National Park, Sai Yok National Park, Khao Laem National Park, Khuean Srinagarindra National Park.
For first training - SMART patrol, WCS staff are invited as lecturers for GPS, map, compass and patrol data form usage while patrol technique refreshing, team movement, patience practice and self-discipline are led by patrol technique expert trainers from the Special Operation Division – Crime Investigation Center of Provincial Police Region 3.
During the training, there are post-tests for each topic. Overall, most of the rangers have learnt and obtained more understanding of map reading and compass and GPS using. In addition, they are able to record data forms correctly. However, some rangers might still need more practice.
During the second training, WCS lecturers have carried out lessons focusing on patrol database management such as setting up a conservation area, data model creating, data import, patrol data entry, data query from database, patrol report creating etc.
As a result, most of the participants have learnt and obtained more understanding of functions within SMART program. However, some participants might need more practice.