Media urged to partner RNP in crime prevention
Rwanda National Police (RNP) held a one day workshop with members of the media fraternity aimed at cementing partnership in the prevention of crimes. Under the theme "role of media in community policing", the workshop looked at ways in which the media can positively contribute to community policing.
In his address, the Minister of Information Protais Musoni said that the workshop is not only important for Police but also for government in terms of good governance. He noted that the media should take the initiative to inform, educate, entertain and on top of it shape the opinion regarding community policing.
"It is important and democratic to give the public the opportunity to contribute in their own security," Minister Musoni said. He urged media to educate the public about the importance of community policing and to embrace the policy as it will ensure significant reduction in crime.
The inspector of Police Emmanuel K. Gasana said that RNP always looks to inform Rwandans about its activities. He lauded the excellent relationship that exists between media and Rwanda National Police.
He noted that Police wants to partner the Media in community policing through sharing information to prevent crime. "We have embarked on a crime reduction strategy by using media, community policing, operation, intelligence and IT led policing," IGP Gasana said.
He noted that crime is becoming a challenge to policing and called for effective information sharing to avoid mistrust and misconception of security.
The Deputy Inspector General of Police Stanley Nsabimana noted that the workshop will build on and improve the existing relationship between the institution and media.
Nsabimana noted that RNP had adopted democratic policing to undertaking its mandate. He added that it is through public participation that community policing has become an effective tool to curb crime.
"The trust and confidence Rwandans have in police is a result of community policing and it has resulted in crime prevention and reduction in crimes and we appreciate the role you have played in this endeavor," the Deputy Inspector General of Police said.
During the workshop, journalists had the opportunity to ask questions such as early closure of concerts, using punitive approach among others.
In Response, Chief Superintendent Damas Gatare pointed out that Police is responsible to implement administrative orders. He also told journalists that the main objective of Police is not to arrest but instead be proactive through prevention crimes.
Superintendent Theos Badege, the police spokesperson reiterated that Police doesn't implement what is not in the interest of Rwandans. He noted that police has not stopped taxi Moto operators from working 10 PM or prevent them from overtaking vehicles as had earlier been suggested.
Other speakers at the workshop included Marie Ingabire Immaculee, the director of Transparency Rwanda and Ignatius Kabagambe former director in the ministry of information.
