A total of 481 members of community policing committees are attending a two-week training meant to equip them with skills of conflict resolution and crime prevention.

The training is being held at Nkumba Leadership and Peace Centre in Burera District, Northern Province.

Opening the course, Deputy Inspector General of Police Stanley Nsabimana urged the participants to take the training seriously.

He hailed the community policing committees (CPCs) for fighting crime in the country.

Under community policing, each police station is meant to work closely with sector leaders and residents and other local leaders in addressing people’s daily challenges.

"This training is meant to equip you with crime prevention skills and professional values. It is important for you to know your responsibilities in crime prevention and conflict resolution,” Nsabimana said. 

The trainees will also be briefed about Ndi Umunyarwanda programme and Rwandan history in general.

"You should help build a nation free from discrimination and ethnic divisions,” he said.

"We are optimistic that the training will help stem crime in the country,” Nsabimana added.

He urged the trainees to act as agents of change in their respective communities. 

The training is being conducted by police in conjunction with the National Itorero commission.

Community policing committees were introduced in 2007 and over 2,000 members have so far been trained.

Police spokesperson ACP Damas Gatare said community policing committees are playing a major role in crimes prevention through timely information. He urged members to uphold discipline.

Participants hailed the training, saying they were ready to learn more skills which they will use to change their communities.