UK police hail RNP

GASABO - UK policemen carrying out a one-month training for District Commanders (Superintendents) have applauded the Rwanda National Police (RNP) for being humble and ready to offer services to the community. This was in comparison to other countries, which they declined to disclose, where they have encountered arrogant police. Retired policemen Carlton Crathern and Superintendent Andy Johnson made the observation on yesterday at the RNP headquarters in Kacyiru. The two are sharing their experiences with the RNP to help it offer up-to-date services. “I am impressed with the police here compared to those of some countries I have been to. Police here are not arrogant and are willing to change in order to offer better services to their community,” he explained. Crathern observed that the institution is young but has achieved a lot in a short period. He added that the one-month course will tackle best practices in leadership in order to motivate staff and people outside the profession. It will also enable the officers to understand the psychology of individuals in the profession. Assistant commissioner and Director of training, Cyprian Gatete, said that the training will help the officers to plan, organise operations and administration of their units. He added that it will help them think strategically especially on how to use community policing as a tool to reduce crimes. “From their experience, we will use their best practices in order to improve our profession. Some of the adopted system is Neighborhood Watch, where everyone knows what is happening in the neighborhood,” said Gatete. High ranking officers who have not undergone similar courses are free to attend this one-month training which is mainly for Police Superintendents. It is being funded by the UK Embassy and organised by the National Police Improvement Agency, a UK police group in charge of training, in collaboration with the Rwanda National Police. Ends