The Police High Council convened, on Tuesday, November 12, at Rwanda National Police (RNP) General Headquarters in Kigali to devise strategies in line with the evolving policing landscape.
The Council, which brings together the RNP leadership, heads of departments, units and commanders, is the highest management and decision-making organ that provides guidelines in the fulfilment of RNP responsibilities.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Vincent Biruta, while opening the Council, said the Police's professionalism, and sacrifice in service to support community development, have continued to make Rwanda a safe and secure country.
"Rwanda National Police's professionalism is evident in emergency response services such as floods, fire and road accidents. The government will continue to support in your service to Rwandans,” Biruta said.
"Some Police officers have been implicated in cases of indiscipline leading to their dismissal. To those who chose the right path as professional officers, maintain the spirit, advise and support each other to uphold the core values of the institution,” he added.
The government, he noted, will continue to support RNP in its capacity development, including facelifting Police stations, acquiring modern equipment, and training.
"As we come to the end of the year, as accustomed, Rwandans in different parts of the country will be in festivities celebrating the end of the year. There will be music shows and other events that must be held in the usual safe environment."
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), CG Felix Namuhoranye, said that the Police High Council will assess the security situation, RNP operations in UN peacekeeping missions and force discipline, among others. In evaluating force discipline, he added, the Council will also assess police officers, to be dismissed from the institution due to grave indiscipline and misconduct.
He commended government support in building the capacity of the institution.
"Due to globalization, the work of the Police requires distinctive skills and capabilities to effectively counter the emerging security challenges related to cross-border and transnational organized crimes, cybercrime and terrorism, among others,” IGP Namuhoranye said.
In order to move with the trend, the Police Chief highlighted that RNP prioritized training in and outside the country, acquiring high-tech equipment, and working with other institutions.
On road safety, he said, the force will continue to lay more effective strategies to curb road carnage, adding that this requires partnership and ownership by all road users. "We appeal to all categories of road users to observe traffic rules and regulations to make our road safer for all and prevent loss of lives,” Namuhoranye said.