Rwanda National Police (RNP) and Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS) have acquired 2,072 new officers, who were part of the 19th Basic Police Course (BPC), which graduated on Friday, December 22, at the Police Training School (PTS) Gishari, in Rwamagana District.
At least 1,998 are Police officers while 74 are prison wardens.
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Some 1,930 new officers were trained at the PTS while 142 were trained at the National Police College (NPC) where they were enrolled in different bachelors’ programmes such as law, information technology, languages and professional police studies (PPS).
The Minister of Interior, Alfred Gasana, who presided over the pass-out, conferred on the new officers the rank of Police Constable. He thanked them for making the right choice and applauded parents for encouraging their children to join the Police force to serve their country.
Gasana said: "Rwandans expect a lot from you, and it&039;s easy, because you are joining your elders, who have been performing the same duties.
"The training you have acquired is a great foundation to build on so that you can do the work that awaits you.”
He urged the graduates to always be polite, professional, work as a team, not to be compromised in their duties and to serve as proud Rwandans. The Minister commended RNP for the good work, actively engaging in human security activities, all which keeps Rwandans safe, as well as sharing the fruits of security with friends of Rwanda in different parts of the world where they are deployed in international peacekeeping operations.
Criminals constantly changing tactics
Despite the good security in the country, the Minister observed, there are still crimes such as theft, assault often caused by excessive abuse of alcohol, trafficking and abuse of narcotic drugs, road accidents.
These, he added, will be effectively addressed through strengthened collaboration between security organs and the citizenry.
Gasana pointed out that criminals are constantly changing the ways and tactics of committing crimes, including the use of technology. This requires the force to continuously build its capacity including recruitment, training, acquiring modern equipment and working professionally, he said.
In 2022, Rwanda was named the safest country for solo travelers in Africa, and the sixth globally, in a review conducted by usebounce, a renowned and trusted travel website.
As the nation enters the festive period, the Minister called for the usual community policing spirit to prevent anything that might affect celebrations and the well-being of the people.
He called on all Rwandans, the young in particular, to avoid alcoholism and other related behaviors; noise pollution and acts that can affect the beliefs of others or cause insecurity.
The Commandant of PTS, Commissioner of Police (CP) Robert Niyonshuti, said the nine-month course equipped the officers with skills in the use of arms, drills and duties, public order management, community policing, Police operations, martial arts, first aid, and road safety, among others.
As part of RNP’s community development activities, the school paid health insurance premium for 1,000 people, and planted over 230, 000 trees as part of the national environmental protection programme.
The pass-out ceremony included demonstrations in martial arts, shooting and public order management.