A total of 60 Police officers yesterday started a one-month ‘basic criminal investigation’ course at the Police Training School in Gishari, Rwamagana District as part of efforts geared at building a vibrant professional force. The course meant for Judicial Police Officers, is the fifth of its kind.

Over a period of 30 days, the officers will acquire skills in investigation, court procedures, penal code and customer care.

Commissioner of Police Joseph Mugisha, the Commandant of the training school challenged the officers to maximise the opportunity, adding that capacity building is one of the priorities of Rwanda National Police.

He urged the trainees to observe the force’s core values and doctrines.

"Protect the people and be accountable to them,” CP Mugisha told participants.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Theos Badege, Commissioner for Criminal Investigation (CID), said training helps to ensure a "vibrant professional force capable of dealing with emerging crimes.”

"I am sure you will gain essential knowledge and skills that will assist you in conducting criminal investigations and tracking down criminals,” ACP Badege said.

The course is also intended to develop the general understanding of the officers in science inquiry and provide an insight into techniques, skills and limitations of criminal investigation.

"You should consider all aspects of criminal investigation as a system of thought and action,” ACP Badege said.

He urged them to exhaust areas of detecting, examining and interpreting factual and legal dimensions of criminal cases such as homicide, rape and robbery.

He asked them to always plan, prepare and conduct investigations in an effective, ethical and professional way.

He noted that good customer service in a requirement to judicial practice and challenged them to exercise good conduct and fight corruption.