There is need for professionalism and enhanced cooperation among regional police forces if the contemporary security challenges are to be addressed.

This was said by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Emmanuel Gasana on Monday.

He said crimes that are cross-border in nature and largely facilitated by modern technology need sophistication on the part of the law enforcers to effectively combat them.

Gasana was addressing 28 police students from nine regional countries attending the ongoing ‘Senior Command and Staff Course’ at the National Police College in Musanze District, on their return from a study tour in Kenya.

Gasana said professionalism is a vital tool in routine policing to win the support of the citizens and to conquer security challenges.

"Utilise the acquired skills to fulfill your policing mandate and make your respective countries and the region in general a secure home for all,” the IGP noted.

 He urged them to be catalysts of change in their respective communities.

During the meeting, the students also presented their study tour findings in various policing disciplines, including security, sustainable development and good governance.

The 28 students are from Burundi, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Swaziland, Zambia and the host, Rwanda.