Rwanda National Police

Rwanda National Police (RNP) is featuring in the 2019 Rwanda International Trade Fair (RITF) which opened doors on Monday at the Expo Ground in Gikondo, Kicukiro District.

This year, RNP is showcasing its IT-services in road traffic as well as fire and rescue related services.

The RNP spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera said that traffic and road safety services are among the much sought Police services, and in most cases people face challenges especially with the shift from manual to use of technology in service delivery.

“At this year’s Expo, we are continuing the usual national road safety campaign towards behavioral change to prevent road accidents. We are also showing Rwandans how to access the e-traffic services like online registration for driver’s license tests, checking results and application for motor-vehicle mechanical inspection, among others,” CP Kabera said.

Anyone in need of traffic related services can also visit the RNP stand for help.

“We also want to show the public how the Hand-Held Terminal is used in traffic fines, the speed gun and how it functions. This is all done to ensure that the public not only acquire timely and quality services but also feel the right to file a complaint to review the e-report in case they do not  feel satisfied with the action taken,” he added.

The hi-tech speed gun measures the speed of vehicles, records it along with time and location on Google map and as well takes a picture of the person driving.

The HHT, on the other hand, replaced the usual paper traffic fine receipt, no more confiscation of traffic documents as traffic offenders are now able to pay fines using telecom banking systems or VISA payment. It can also detect forged driver’s license.

Still, the HHT tech also has an Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) that can recognize if a vehicle is on the wanted list for certain offences, and can automatically check the validity of the vehicle’s mechanical inspection certificate, insurance, the owner and its crash or traffic offences records.

On Fire and Rescue services, RNP is also showcasing how to use basic firefighting gadgets like fire extinguisher, safe usage of gas cooker and use of fire blanket in case of fire.

CP Kabera said the exhibition is an opportunity to make known RNP services, broaden the partnership with the community and a good platform to explain and further sensitize the people on safe usage of road, how to access related services and how to prevent and respond to fire incidents.

He explained that as RNP continues to improve in service delivery and acquisition of hi-tech equipment, it is also important that beneficiaries understand and adapt to the new system.

What people say

Claude Gakwandi, one of the people who visited the RNP stand was impressed by the Police technology.

“There are some gadgets that we didn’t know, for instance these cameras (speed gun) that can record your speed in a distance of 500 meters, these IT systems are good in service delivery,” Gakwandi said.

“People should know police’s services because today or tomorrow you will need them. It is good that we are experiencing these positive changes in policing; the world is changing and you can’t afford to lag behind, that is what development is all about… you have to move with the trend in all aspects including security,” he added.