Rwanda National Police

Timely information sharing is an essential tool in effective policing, which culminates into crime prevention, members of Rwanda Youth Volunteers in Community Policing in Bugesera District have been told.

The message was delivered by Assistant Inspector of Police (AIP)  Cyprien Uwitonze, the District Community Liaison Officer of Bugesera while meeting members of the youth organisation in Musenyi Sector, on Friday.

He urged them to enhance information sharing particularly on possible offenders and illegal dealings as a measure of ensuring public safety and security.

The meeting was also attended by Musenyi Sector executive secretary Vital Ruzagiriza and other local leaders in the sector.

“You are the eyes and ears of the people and police as well; anytime you encounter anyone attempting to commit a crime, you should hurriedly inform the police. Also, encourage your peers to do the same,” said Ruzagiriza.

AIP Uwitonze reminded them to focus their awareness campaigns on fighting drug abuse, gender based violence and human trafficking.

He, however, hailed them for their contribution in crime prevention and urged them to enhance their outreach activities and be more vigilant.

“You can only achieve your goal of ensuring public safety through community policing; you have to always remind the public that ensuring security begins with an individual,” said AIP Uwitonze.

He also urged youth volunteers to rally for more cooperation with security agencies in sharing timely information that would assist in crime prevention, detection and arrest of criminals.

“Rwanda National Police is committed to facilitating you with all possible means and cooperating with you to ensure that we collectively keep our country safer…as we head for the 16th anniversary of RNP, we request you as our partners to take part in all community policing and human security activities ,” he said.

The coordinator of youth volunteers in Musenyi sector, Laurence Mukahigiro thanked the police for the knowledge they acquired and urged her colleagues to ensure they collectively enhance crime prevention in their neighborhoods.

Community-oriented policing is a strategy adopted by RNP that focuses on building ties and working closely with members of the communities to overcome crime in their localities.