Rwanda National Police

Members of Community Policing Committees (CPC) should boost their role in identifying likely security threats by harnessing the spirit of working together with security organs and local communities to ensure tight safety and peace in the society.

The message was delivered by Inspector of Police, Alexandre Mwezi while speaking to about 180 members of Community Policing Committees in Gakenke District, during a training workshop held on March 31 in Kambuga Sector.

IP Mwezi, who is also Gakenke District Community Liaison Officer (DCLO), urged the community security personnel to put much emphasis in fighting illicit drugs and gender and domestic violence, which are still common in societies.

He also took them through the forms of violence and types of illicit drugs sold and used in Rwanda.

"Working in a team and as a community is vital for everyone to feel involved. We have to cement this partnership in night patrols to deter criminals from executing their unlawful and criminal plans," IP Mwezi told participants.

Alphonse Ntakirutimana, in charge of social affairs in Kamubuga Sector, noted that safety and security should be a collective effort aimed at protecting the lives and infrastructure and way of life in Rwanda.

"Rwandans have worked hard to achieve prosperity, peace and development; now we must work even harder to protect our achievements. We must cooperate with Police and other security organs to ensure that crimes are solved and justice is served," Ntakirutimana said.

The exercise also included open discussion in which participants exchanged ideas on how to better execute their duties in a cooperative spirit.

One of the participants, Gaspard Munyemana, commended the role of Rwanda National Police in empowering communities to take the lead in ensuring own safety, and reminded colleagues that they should create trust among the public by not dealing with criminals.