It was reported on Friday that the rate of crime in the country had reduced in the past year by 30 percent. According to the police, this is attributed to the community policing programme.

The director of community policing in the Rwanda National Police force Chief Supt.

Emmanuel Butera revealed that most of the crime whose rate reduced are cases of gender based violence and violence against children.

It was noted that this has been a result of the improved working relationship between the department of community policing and residents.

This reveals one thing about crime and its eradication. That it is primarily the responsibility of the community/residents to guarantee their own security from criminals.

The police and other security organs can only be effective in fighting crime with the full cooperation and support of the community. And indeed the reduction in crime vindicates this.

However it is apparent that criminal cases are still being reported and hence there is still need to continue with vigilance and sensitization of the communities about the importance of reporting crime and other tendencies that are deemed negative to society.

It is also important to note that such measures are also paramount in fighting white collar crime which may not be easily detected. Here again, the community can play a role of whistle blowers in exposing corruption.

By this, the community will have helped to ensure that white collar crimes like corruption do not stand in the way of development.

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