EASTERN PROVINCE

GATSIBO — The new police strategy of community policing will go a long way in combating crime, residents say.

Police last Saturday organised elections in every settlement for community residents, who will help police stem crime.

Three-member committee comprising of the president and the secretary were elected in each settlement [Umudugudu] of every cell in the sector.

According to police, many people would now be involved in keeping law and order as a way of making residents take part in security matters.

In Gatsibo, Muhura sector that has five cells elected many people in the settlement on different committees and this will make it possible to identify the wrong doers in the area, police said.

"We feel more secure now that we do not have to rely on the police at the stations or the district alone to ensure our security," said Bamurange, a resident of Rwimbogo.

Residents feel the arrangement is an answer to the manpower gaps in police. Over 50 people are expected to take part in keeping law and order in every cell in the sector, according to the arrangement.

Increasing crime rate especially in villages has previously partly been blamed on insufficient police cops to ensure security for all areas.

Under community policing, residents will also be enlightened on a number of crimes. Many residents claim they have been committing certain crimes out of ignorance. Others have reportedly been observing petty crimes but neglected to report because police was far. So residents are optimistic petty crimes will stop.

They now feel that with so many people responsible for security in their areas, fewer crimes will be committed.

Like all systems, observers however say, loopholes are always found in the implementation process and some people think that this may fail because the elected committee members are lacking skills in police activities.

However, Police sources say the elected members will be trained by the police starting this week; across the country on how they would be carrying out their work.

Although they may not be getting monthly salaries, they will be receiving facilitation from the ministry to help them in their day to day work, local leaders say.

It is highly hoped that the work of the police is also going to be simplified through these committees because; they will be able to gather accurate information about crimes committed on the ground.

Also most crimes that are being committed in the villages are attributed to drug abuse; these committees will help to dissuade youths from such habits.

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