The Police must continue working closely with its partners and citizens to ensure public safety, the 2015 second Police High Council resolved in a meeting held yesterday.

Speaking at the meeting, the Minister for Internal Security, Sheikh Musa Fazil Harerimana, called on the Police to always consider human security as paramount to the citizens’ well-being.

"The duty of the National Police is to protect Rwandans from individuals or groups that intend to harm them and cause insecurity to both lives and property. The Police Force has come a long way to ensure that rule of law is respected; we need to continue on this path of fruitful partnerships that promote collaboration in ensuring safety and peace,” he said.

"Through community policing, the Police have been able to help many residents understand their role in overcoming crime. Therefore, this strategy should always be looked at in the aspect of advancing human security and improving the lives of Rwandans.”

IGP Emmanuel K. Gasana said anti-crime clubs in schools, youth volunteers in crime prevention and community policing committees, among other partners, have been instrumental in crime prevention.

"The socio-economic transformation of Rwanda is built on good leadership, peace and security, which has provided an enabling secure environment for economic activities to be conducted free from any security threat,” he said.

IGP Gasana noted that the programmes of security and hygiene that the Police initiated jointly with the City of Kigali have proven very effective with regards to public welfare and they need to be scaled up countrywide.

"Police officers are also urged to be professional, exhibit loyalty and be efficient at all times in order to build public trust. The Force’s discipline is paramount in crime reduction; therefore, we should always refrain from anything that tarnishes the image of our country but work as patriots serving our nation.”

Gasana encouraged members of the Police High Council to uphold the norms and values of the Police.He emphasised the need to strengthen Police stations at the sector level.

The Minister for Local Government, Francis Kaboneka, noted that the country’s vision is based on a strong ideology of unity and values of dignity.

"The Police and local governments have the duty to ensure Rwanda’s vision is achieved because they work closely with the residents. In order to succeed in protecting these values, all government institutions and residents must work together to achieve a common goal of sustainable development,” he said.

Also in attendance were the deputy Inspector generals, DIGP Dan Munyuza and DIGP Juvenal Marizamunda,The Police High Council is the supreme organ of the Police Force that brings together commissioners heading various departments, commanders of units, regional and district commanders, seniors and junior officers as well as representatives of non-commissioned officers from all territorial and specialised police units.

The quarterly convention evaluates the implementation of resolutions, identifies success, challenges and devises new strategies aimed at excelling in law enforcement duties.

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