The Rwanda National Police (RNP) announced that they will deploy drones to monitor road safety and traffic violations nationwide. This initiative aims to ensure public order, safety, and security for citizens, rather than focusing on imposing fines and penalties, RNP spokesperson ACP Boniface Rutikanga said. The use of drones’ technology, however not yet rolled out across the country, is expected to change the way law enforcement agencies operate in road monitoring. This capability will enable the law enforcers to identify suspicious activities, monitor large gatherings, and respond swiftly to emergency incidents in remote areas, according to Rutikanga. ALSO READ: Inside Rwanda’s proposed multi-billion drone operations hub Speaking to The New Times on January 3, Rutikanga said that these drones have played a big role in security purposes and maintaining public order in various parts of the country and they could prove effective in monitoring traffic. He noted that their use has made it easier to swiftly respond to incidents, ensure effective interventions, decision-making, and contribute to effective maintenance of public order in various parts of the country. The decision to deploy drones to monitor road traffic follows a pilot exercise conducted in remote parts, where illegal mining have been carried out, among other issues. The use of drones has strengthened security measures, reduced crime rates, and enhanced public safety, Rutikanga said. “We’ve been using drones in several public order management operations, such as identifying illegal mining activities across the country. We will now be introducing them for road safety management and enforcement,” he said. “We intend to acquire the capability to conduct operations nationwide.” ALSO READ: Careless driving responsible for 50% of Rwanda's traffic accidents Rutikanga noted that the adoption is part of a broader policy of digitizing services, enhancing effectiveness, accountability, quick service delivery, among other benefits. “It’s not that there was a gap; it’s simply the right time to use this technology, he said. Technology achieves more than what human efforts can accomplish at any given time. Deploying such tools as drones addresses specific challenges with high precision, significantly improving the outcomes of our operations. We have just begun with road safety, and it will grow gradually,” he noted. Rutikanga maintained that strict protocols would be put in place to govern the use of drones, ensuring that operations are conducted within the confines the law and with respect to people's rights. We abide by data protection laws and are not allowed to disclose any information without the consent of the individuals concerned, he explained. If it involves a vehicle, perhaps due to an accident or misconduct on the road, that is the specific information we focus on. The data is used strictly for policing purposes and, where necessary, for prosecution. Nothing beyond that.” To maintain public trust, the police plan to engage communities through awareness campaigns, explaining the benefits of drone technology and addressing any apprehensions. “We will conduct public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about how we operate. This will help address questions such as who is enforcing the rules, where they are, and how they operate. Additionally, we will maximize the use of evidence to ensure that our actions are justifiable and transparent,” Rutikanga said.
