Police officers complete investigations course

Ninety nine Rwandan police officers yesterday completed a Senior Investigation Officer’s Course (SIOC). The training was organised by Rwanda National Police, in partnership with Kigali Institute of Education (KIE) and United Kingdom’s Teesside University, with funding from the Belgian Technical Cooperation (BTC).Officiating at the closing ceremony held at the police headquarters in Kacyiru, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Emmanuel K. Gasana, lauded the force’s good cooperation with the Kingdom of Belgium through its support to the Police study programme and postgraduate training programme in criminal investigation, forensic sciences and acquisition of investigative equipment. “Our partnership has been further cemented through the senior investigation officer’s programme which focuses on the effective management and investigation of major and sensitive crimes,” IGP added.Gasana also commended KIE’s administration for provision of facilities to ensure the course was a success.He observed that, like any other country, Rwanda faces a number of serious crimes such as homicide and rape, adding that such crimes require thorough investigative skills.He urged graduates to put into practice the knowledge and skills acquired in order to assist them in their daily operations. The Belgian ambassador to Rwanda, Marc Pecsteen, pointed out that the rule of law as a principle of good governance has substantially contributed to the impressive social and economic recovery of the country. “The rule of law facilitates the development process in any society,” he said. He reiterated that the local population had confidence in guaranteeing the respect of human dignity and maintain human rights among both offenders and victims of crimes.The Director of Centre for Academic Practice and Development (CAPD) at KIE, Dr Celestin Ntivuguruzwa, appreciated the partnership between Rwanda National Police and Teesside University in the United Kingdom. Participants were awarded with university certificates in professional development, management of serious, significant and sensitive crimes.