Over 180 community night patrols and other crime fighters in Kicukiro District have enrolled in week-long community policing and fire response training.

The exercise is aimed at improving their understanding on community safety and crime prevention by reinforcing policing means.

Speaking at the opening of the training, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Jean Baptiste Seminega, the Commanding Officer of the Fire and Rescue Brigade at Rwanda National Police, told participants that they have the potential to further reduce crimes and improve safety.

"For community patrols to be successful, every member of the community should be involved and he or she should embark on strong collaboration with police to build a network for collective response and prevention of crime,” ACP Seminega said.

He also reminded them to always take a lead in solving family dispute, domestic and gender-based-violence, and also cooperate closely with other security organs.

"Strive to identify causes of insecurity and provide timely information to the police so that such incidents are prevented before they lead to serious consequences,” he said.

ACP Seminega urged them to always check the status of electronic installations in their houses, use recommended electric materials, avoid overloading their installations, switch off or disconnect all electric gadgets and candles, which are among the causes of fire outbreak.

Participants were also given skills in firefighting equipment like fire extinguishers.

Community night patrols have been instrumental in helping Police to ensure maximum safety through a fruitful partnership that focuses on involving residents in the security and safety in neighborhoods.

The event was also attended by local leaders in the district.

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