The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) in charge of Administration and Personnel, Juvenal Marizamunda, has commended community policing committees (CPCs) for being key in improving Rwanda’s security, especially through sharing accurate information that facilitates detection and prevention of crimes.

He made the remarks on Friday as he officiated at a one-day training of trainers of 120 CPCs and district community liaison officers held at the Rwanda National Police (RNP) Headquarters in Kacyiru, Kigali.

The ceremony was also attended by all district police commanders.

The training focused on harmonising cooperation and coordination between CPCs, security organs and local authorities.

It was conducted at the time the Police are marking 10 years since Rwanda adopted the community policing strategy that involves citizens in crime prevention.

"Rwanda National Police values the role of CPCs in crime prevention and will continue to empower and build their capacity,” said DIGP Marizamunda.

He noted that CPCs have been key in improving Rwanda’s security by sharing accurate information to detect crime.

"Crime is a social phenomenon that can only be effectively dealt with if the community understands and is actively involved in policing activities,” he added.

The training covered various aspects including, Rwandan history, patriotism, national values, human rights, citizen’s role in crime prevention, sanitation and hygiene and environmental protection.

The trainees are expected to be flag-bearers in training other members at cell level, who will in turn pass on the knowledge to CPC members at the village level.

Currently there are 74,765 CPCs across the country, operating from the village level.

The Commissioner for Community Policing in the Force, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Celestin Twahirwa, reminded the trainees that protecting and enforcing the law is no longer the role of Police alone.

"The public should be involved to ensure sustainable security. Police’s role has gone beyond arresting suspects and collecting evidence and now looks as far as human security,” he said, adding that, "Community policing’s main objective is to prevent and reduce crimes through public conflict resolution and partnership.”

"Today, we celebrate the milestone in partnership which has enhanced public development by taking part in ensuring a crime-free environment. Community policing has been at the forefront in promoting trust and cooperation between police and public,” he noted.

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