Private security companies should harness their activities and operations and exchange ideas for effective safety measures.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Costa Habyara, Commissioner for Private Security Companies in Rwanda, made the call on Wednesday while meeting representatives of local security firms, at the Rwanda National Police (RNP) headquarters in Kacyiru.

The meeting was attended by among others, directors, operation managers and investigators from security firms.

ACP Habyara observed that security firms still act separately, despite having formed an umbrella, Rwanda Security Industry Association, which brings together all the ten local security firms.

 "You should refrain from individualism and the belief that you can work alone. You should instead work hard to harmonise your works, as well as empower  your umbrella to fully regulate your activities,” he said.

 He reminded the private security companies about the need to  partner with RNP to protect people’s lives and property.

 "You must be vigilant especially during the festive season,” he said.

Robert Kashemeza, the umbrella Chairman, lauded Police for establishing a regulatory commission which he said will enable private security firms conduct their work more efficiently.

"We need to reassert the importance of working closely with Police because we have a common goal. If one of us has information about a security threat, it is paramount that they share the information so that we can all contribute toward maintaining the peace of this great nation,” he said.

His views were echoed by Gaspard Ruvebana, the Operations manager in Top Sec, who voiced optimism over a newly established collaboration commission set to give better guidance to private security firms.

Among the resolutions is for each security firm to make weekly security reports which will also help them to take new measures against security challenges.

 They observed that there is still confusion in the colours of their uniforms and agreed to reconsider the colours, and also work out a plan to empower their umbrella body.