The Rwanda National Police annual community outreach activities to mark its anniversary started, yesterday, in Musanze District with appeal for more collective response against crime.

Speaking at the launch, the Minister for Local Government, Francis Kaboneka, called on Rwandans to work together and partner with law enforcers in the spirit of patriotism to prevent and overcome crime.

He advised residents to teach children the values of patriotism so that they can grow up with virtues that promote national security.

"The main problem today is that parents and guardians do not spend enough time with their children to talk about the values of patriotism, thus they become susceptible to a life of crime when they grow up. We need to revisit our traditional values of nurturing children so that our country can have a better future,” Kaboneka said.

"The youth should concentrate more on their education and careers rather than collaborate with criminals such as drug dealers, or waste their talents and time in worthless activities that will undermine their safety and their future.”

The Governor of Northern Province, Aime Bosenibamwe, commended RNP for "tirelessly enforcing security and safety” in the country and called on residents to cooperate with police through the delivery of timely information that helps to overcome crime and apprehend criminals.

"Community policing has been fruitful ever since it was introduced by RNP – and it has enabled residents to practice it to promote safety and security. Only together we can achieve the common goal of a safer and better place to live,” he said.

The Inspector General of Police, Emmanuel K. Gasana, commended the role played by different partners in policing in the last 15 years.

He reminded residents that the modern era presents challenges of sophisticated crimes committed through the use of technology, which calls for more concerted operations facilitated by timely information on any illegal and criminal activities.

"In this modern period, effective response and stopping crimes before they happen is paramount – therefore, through community policing, citizens are given a more direct role to play in crime prevention and watching over the quality of life in their communities,” he said.

"Let each of us strive to perform our roles in safeguarding the welfare of our communities and developing greater trust for the greater good.”

During the event, RNP provided financial support to procure four cows for disadvantaged residents.

In a parallel event in Rulindo, Police also provided five cows to vulnerable residents.

Dubbed "Police Week-2015 – 15 Years of Partnership in Policing,” the sixth edition of the annual activities, seeks to strengthen awareness against crime, sensitise on trends and impact of crime to close the gap and improve the Police-public engagement.

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