Rwanda National Police

Community Policing Committees (CPCs) should disseminate news faster in order to facilitate their collaboration with Police to identify and solve community security problems in time.

The message was delivered by Chief Supt. Dan Ndayambaje, Gasabo District Police Commander while meeting over 300 members of Community Policing Committees from Remera and Kimironko sectors on February 18.

The meeting was aimed at training the members on efficient communication methods, as well as to deliberate on how best to involve the public on becoming active allies in the effort to enhance safety and security of neighborhoods.

"Community policing has far-reaching positives on crime control and prevention. The emphasis on making community members active participants in this initiative is pivotal in enhancing the quality of life - therefore - community members should mobilize support in the form of providing timely and efficient information to help Police solve and prevent crimes," CSP Ndayambaje said.

"A foundation of trust must therefore exist to form close relationships between Police and the community in order to produce solid achievements."

He told participants that community policing encompasses a variety of practical and strategic approaches, which the public can utilize to address wide-ranging challenges in their localities.

"Other than reporting to Police on a timely basis, residents can also spearhead sensitization campaigns and tell fellow residents about the dangers of crimes like child abuse, gender-based-violence, drug abuse among others," he said.

"Through community partnership and problem solving, we can together ensure the sustainability of our country's achievement and set up a strong base for current and future development."

The movement toward community policing has gained momentum in recent years as Rwanda National Police and community leaders search for more effective ways to promote public safety and to enhance the quality of life in their neighborhoods.

About 140, 000 members of CPCs have so fa been trained in different parts of the country.

To further cement the strategic idea of community policing, RNP signed memorandum of understanding with all districts in the country to join efforts against security threats and community development.

In the same spirit another meeting in Ngoma District brought together 98 members of the District Administration Security Support Organ (DASSO), where they were urged to continuously act upon their role protecting public order.

DASSO was enacted by law No.26/213 of May 10, 2013, to replace the former Local Defence Forces, to reinforce security in decentralised entities.