The Governor of the Northern Province, Aime Bosenibamwe, has urged security organs to reinforce community policing mechanisms to further promote public safety and security.

He was addressing a meeting in Rulindo District on Friday, that brought together security organs and community policing committees.

"Community policing gives citizens more control over the quality of life in their community. It also helps police to get closer to the neighbourhoods and have a better sense of residents’ needs, while also developing greater trust for each other,” he said.

"Without the trust and involvement of the community, maintaining security and safety is difficult. Therefore, through community policing, it is everyone’s responsibility to safeguard the safety of their neighbourhood.”

The Commissioner for Community Policing at Rwanda National Police (RNP), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Damas Gatare, emphasised the need to get closer to citizens and involve them in safety and security activities.

He said it would help prevent crimes before they occur, adding that active participation is required from everyone, including local leaders.

"Effective community policing is not an instant solution–it requires long-term commitment from everyone involved in order to sustain peace, security and development. By building trust and timely communication between the police and community members, we will, ultimately, together improve the safety and apprehend criminals who want to set the country back,” he noted.

Meanwhile, in a bid to expand community policing activities and further get closer to the communities in the Northern Province, the Police have over the past three months increased the number of police stations from 16 to 94.

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