Rwanda National Police

Rwanda National Police (RNP) launched, Thursday, a countrywide campaign to further strengthen the ideology of community policing and to shift from fighting to preventing crimes.

The official launch of the ten-day campaign was held in Rubavu District. 

The community policing exercise is particularly aimed at enlightening the citizenry of their individual and collective responsibility in identifying and reporting anything that can cause insecurity in their communities and affect their well-being. 

Assistant Commission of Police (ACP) Jean Nepo Mbonyumuvunyi, while addressing thousands of Rubavu residents that converged in Rugerero Sector, said that security is the foundation for the progress of families, the community and the nation at large.

"When there is security you work day and night without fear, you don't lose your property to thieves and your children will not be in danger of narcotic drugs if we collectively give no room for drug dealers," ACP Mbonyumuvunyi told the residents. 

He reminded them that what the country has attained in aspects of security and development over the past years, required concerted efforts adding that protecting and building from them comes back to having the spirit of nationalism.

He also emphasized on reporting drug dealers noting that most other crimes like theft, domestic and gender based violence and assault are largely committed by people under the influence of drugs.

"We need to protect the young people and the future leaders, who are being destroyed by drugs. Narcotic drugs affect all sectors of development; from education where addicted children end up dropping out of school to health where the government spends a lot of money in rehabilitation services instead of spending it in other community development activities."

The vice mayor of Rubavu in charge of economic development, Janvier Murenzi  also reminded grassroots leaders to take the lead to ensure the effectiveness of community policing initiatives. 

Village chiefs and cell executive secretaries constitute community policing committees.