Rwanda National Police

Fifty Police officers drawn from different departments and units of Rwanda National Police (RNP), on Monday, started a five-day training aimed at improving their customer care services in their daily duties.

The officers are from Traffic and Road Safety, Motor-vehicle Inspection Centre (MIC), Special Airport Police Unit (SAPU), and Public Relations and Media,  among other Police units.  

In his opening remarks, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Emmanuel Karasi, Commissioner for Inspectorate of Service and Ethics, who presided over the official opening of the training, urged participants to give the course due importance so as to improve service delivery to the people.

He appealed to them to put to good use knowledge and skills they will acquire and extend them to others in order to further promote the spirit of service excellence in the force.

“As you start this training, we urge you to embrace what will be taught and put that knowledge to good use in whatever you do. Service delivery is among RNP’s priorities, and we expect you to create significant change after this training," ACP Karasi said.

“We have started with a few departments and units but the target is to reach all police officers,” he added.

ACP Karasi reiterated how police officers should behave while on duty. He reminded them to receive and treat well those seeking Police service and always ensure their concerns and problems are resolved.

“Always listen to people to better understand their concerns. Avoid checking or using the phone, watch and other habits that may make someone feel neglected,” he said.

He added: “It might not be your fault but always feel sorry for those that had bad experiences or situations. Solve the problem and if you are not in position, refer the person to your superior, and finally thank and appreciate them, it is important to end with a friendly note.”

CP Karasi said that service excellence is vital to RNP, because it enables officers to identify the citizens’ needs and to enhance the  practices of community policing.

“Customer care is important in building trust between Police and the the people we are mandated to serve and protect; it enables sharing of vital information through community policing,” ACP Karasi said.

He noted that quality service improves RNP's image and one of the tools in fighting  corruption.

In the course of the training, officers will look at anti-corruption strategies, professional ethics, political and civic education and public relations.

It is in RNP's programmes to equip officers with relevant skills to deliver high quality services, accountability and transparency, in order to safeguard the rule of law and provide a safe and crime free environment for all.