Rwanda has for the last 11 years been building the national police force by strengthening it in terms of personnel and equipment to ensure the security of citizens and their property.

This was said yesterday by the Minister for Internal Security, Sheikh Fazil Harerimana, as he presided over the pass out of nearly 1,000 police constables at Gishari Police Training School in Rwamagana District.

The 916 police constables joined the Force after completing a seven-month basic training course.

The commandant of the school, ACP Denis Basabose, said the 11th police intake had 149 female constables.

Minister Harerimana emphasised that the training aimed at creating a professional police force capable of fighting crime, adding it necessitated investment in capacity building, strengthening community policing and enhancing international cooperation.

"It is important that we have a highly skilled police force, competent enough to protect the nation and the people, and skills development is critical in this,” he said.

"Enhancing the rule of law, human rights, and protecting communities, will be your assignment. The new recruits thus are expected to enhance and not the reverse the trend,” he told the graduates.

Harerimana urged the new PCs to work closely with people in the community, so as to succeed in their duties.

He urged them to be friendly to the population they serve and work closely with communities, cautioning them to desist from vices such as corruption.

 "The integrity of RNP is known worldwide where it serves in peace missions…discipline and dedication is what characterises our force. It is also involved in various socio-economic activities in the country and beyond.”

Three of the best graduates were given awards.