English
Kinyarwanda
Upon celebrating its 15 years of existence, Rwanda National Police (RNP) has received surmountable acknowledgement and words of advice from the public, who include its partners in crime prevention.
Some of the most memorable quotes were provided on June 16 during interviews from those who attended the ceremony marking RNP’s “15 Years of Partnership in Policing” and they are recorded below.
Lamin M. Manneh - UN Resident Coordinator
The role of RNP in ensuring safety and protection of lives and property comprises not only law enforcement but also participation in the socio-economic welfare of the community through the provision of necessities like houses to the needy and sensitization campaigns, which have enabled the practical interpretation of laws and enabled citizens to understand their role in fighting crime.
Another factor which the UN family recognizes about RNP in its fifteen years of operation is the emphasis it has placed on women empowerment (women comprise of 20 percent of the total force). Rwanda offers more female officers in peacekeeping operations than any other country – and they have been noted for their strict professional code that has won them the hearts of the people in the communities they serve.
Marie Immaculée Ingabire - Chairperson of Transparency International-Rwanda
With a political leadership that demands a zero tolerance to corruption, RNP has standout tall to meet this demand. In the modern era where police institutions all over the world are being castigated by the public for accepting and soliciting bribes, RNP has stood out at an example of true professionalism by strongly fighting against such bad elements in society.
Corruption undermines the effectiveness of law enforcement and erodes public confidence in law enforcement and justice. I have personally been outspoken on this issue for many years and firmly believe that effective policing requires combating of all forms of corruption in the performance of policing functions and the promotion of high standards of honesty, integrity and ethical behavior for police officers.
RNP should continue on this good path, well knowing that this fight against corruption is a daily battle.
Paul Jules Ndamaje - Mayor of Kicukiro District
From the time RNP was inaugurated, it has emphasized the need to integrate police officers into neighborhoods and make them part of the community – which to me is the better solution to combating urban crime.
For a long time until the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, the fear of crime had an incredibly corrosive effect on individuals and entire communities, and those who were entrusted to promote lawfulness were part of those committing the crimes.
But things have tremendously changed for the better. RNP now recognizes that people not only need to be safe, but they also need to feel safe – and this has led to crime reduction and increased cooperation with the public to directly confront crime and apprehend criminals.
Adolph Mutangana, Commercial motorcyclist
As a daily road user, I interact with traffic officers on a regular basis and am impressed with the way they respond to every challenge that we motorists face.
We have been assured that promoting traffic safety is not just a role of Police but the role of every road user, and in our cooperatives, we have taken on this challenge by ensuring that those who violate traffic rules are reported to police in a timely manner.
It is therefore clear that when law enforcement works directly with residents, motorists and the business community, they are going a long way toward reducing crime, improving quality of life, and enhancing public safety.
David Hategekimana –Resident of Kicukiro
RNP community policing initiative has increased the feeling of security in the neighborhoods and has also helped police to establish trust within the community.
As a citizen of Rwanda, I have been encouraged to become more active in taking care of the security and safety of my community through timely partnership with Police, and many other residents are also now aware of what police officers actually do on a day-to-day basis. This has improved police-community relations and ultimately led to better quality of life.
Norbert Hategekimana – a Youth Volunteer in Crime Prevention
RNP has promoted the role of youth in crime prevention and has fostered their involvement in planning and carrying out strategies to prevent violence in their communities.
Now, the youth contribute a valuable amount of time and many of them throughout the country are volunteers in fighting crime and sensitizing their communities about the dangers of involving in lawlessness. Police has ensured that the youth do this work diligently by extending constant training to them through their organization.
