All local government administrative sectors will, effective July 1, have a Police post as part of the Force’s efforts to take its services closer to the people.

IGP Emmanuel K. Gasana disclosed this yesterday while addressing residents of Nyanza District, where he attended the ongoing ‘Police Week 2015’ activities at Nyanza stadium.

There are about 416 sectors across the 30 districts of the country.

Effective July 1, all sectors will have a police post as RNP continues to bring its services closer to the residents with decentralised services geared towards strengthening the idea of community policing, IGP Gasana said.

The IGP commended residents for their resilience in combating crime.

He particularly mentioned the youth of Nyanza as a dedicated group of volunteers that have readily worked with police to fight violence and crime in the district.

"Strong community mechanisms, complimented by dedicated youth has sent out a strong message to criminals that they will not succeed in their schemes,” IGP Gasana said.

As part of the activities, the Rwanda National Police (RNP) handed over four houses it constructed for the disadvantaged Genocide survivors in Nyanza District.

The houses are each valued at Rwf9 million.

This year’s activities, launched on Tuesday, are geared toward empowering communities’ well-being.

The Governor of Southern Province, Alphonse Munyentwari, who presided over the event, called upon religious and local leaders to support residents in combating gender and domestic violence, child and spousal abuse, which are still common in communities.

The function attracted thousands of residents, including students from various schools in the province, as well as members of the Rwanda Youth Volunteers in Crime Prevention of the province.

Munyentwari said that everyone in Rwanda has a role to play in fostering safety – and particularly called on religious leaders to openly speak out against crimes and injustices that are committed within families.

"RNP has played its part very well, and has indicated that it will not stop at policing but also contribute to the socio-economic welfare of Rwandans.

He urged residents to embrace collaboration and deliver timely information to police to prevent crime.

The Mayor of Nyanza, Abdullah Murenzi, noted that security is the foundation of national growth and development – which calls for more collaboration between residents and security organs to foster safety.

"In many countries of the world, people do not see eye to eye with Police. But in Rwanda we have a different story, where patriotism brings all of us together to develop our nation.

Residents and local leaders should adhere to Rwandan spirit and community policing by being constantly active against crime,” he said.

The outreach activities and awareness campaigns against crime were organised ahead of RNP’s 15th anniversary to be celebrated on June 16.

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