Rwanda National Police (RNP) will on Monday launch a series of human security activities across the country, in an outreach exercise dubbed ‘Police Month.’ The month-long community development activities will mainly focus on supporting the communities to cement people-centered policing—a community policing methodology—and raising awareness against high impact crimes. The official launch will be held in Nyamasheke District, although related activities will also be conducted concurrently in other parts of the country, according to RNP spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera. He said the activities bring together Police officers and partners to support the national development agenda but also building strong partnership between RNP and the citizenry in identifying, fighting and preventing crimes. This year’s theme is ‘19 years of partnership in maintaining security and social development.’ Over the years, the force has engaged in various policing and human security activities to ensure the responsiveness of everyone in fighting and preventing crime, and ensuring the welfare of the people. “This year, the countrywide Police month activities will be conducted from July 15 to August 14, during which 30 houses for the disadvantaged families and six Village offices complete lit with solar energy, will be constructed; 3, 000 households that are far from the national grid will be installed with solar systems, pay annual medical insurance for 3000 people country-wide and blood donation,” Kabera explained. The distribution of free solar energy supplements the national rural electrification programme. “RNP is mandated to safeguard the fundamental rights and guarantee safety and security of persons and their property; it is constitutional duty for police in partnership with the community, be accountable to them, understand and protect their rights as ideals of good governance and rule of law as a firm foundation towards sustainable security and development,” he added. “The Police Month activities are informed by our mandate to address issues that would lead to commission of crime and further improve the social wellbeing of Rwandans,” he added. The first week will also embark on fighting narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, one of the major pressing security issues affecting youth development in the country. Focus will also mainly be put on gender based violence, child pregnancy, environmental degradation and promoting road safety. “Police month, partly, responds to the demand by ensuring effective engagement between the police and the community, along with other government, security institutions and partners in addressing existing human security needs in collaboration with citizens as we collectively take part in security and development issues.” Keeping Kigali clean, green and safe In partnership with the City of Kigali, RNP will also engage in security and hygiene campaign to promote a clean, green and safe city. Outstanding performers in the 8th edition of security and hygiene campaign in different categories will also be awarded with varied prizes. editor@newtimesrwanda.com
