Rwanda National Police (RNP) has intensified its community policing activities by creating more anti-crime clubs in various communities and schools to prevent crimes. On Tuesday, the District Police Units of Rutsiro and Nyanza engaged various groupings, including commercial cyclists and students, where they were introduced to the concept of community policing and the role that anti-crime clubs play in reinforcing the modern strategy of proactive policing. In Rutsiro, cyclists formed an anti-drug abuse club which they named ‘Nkunda Amahoro.’ Its elected coordinator, Saidi Ntibazayamara, pledged to make the club vibrant and asked all members to partner with Police and other security organs to reinforce the ideal of community policing and crime detection and prevention. “We have formalised our commitment to identify and report any unlawful act where we live and work. It’s a commitment we have made and should be realised in our actions,” Ntibazayamara told his colleagues. This brings the total number of anti-crime clubs in Rutsiro to 51, with 50 of them active in schools. There are about 1000 anti-crime clubs, majority of whom operate formed in schools, while others constitute motorcyclists and cyclists. According to Inspector of Police Jerome Nsabuwera, the District Community Liaison Officer (DCLO) of Rutsiro, the intention is to create anti-crime clubs in all schools, as well as motorcycle and cyclist associations and cooperatives. “We have seen how effective these clubs can be in raising awareness against criminality and specific issues related to gender based violence, drug abuse and even human trafficking,” said IP Nsabuwera. “We have seen cases of unwanted pregnancies in schools, tremendously reducing while many students who were drug abusers have reformed and use these clubs as a platform to share testimonies,” he added. Elsewhere, IP Jean Baptiste Bizimana, the DCLO of Nyanza, also met with over 780 students of E. S Nyanza and urged them to actively use the anti-crime club to raise awareness about and fight against drug abuse, which are relatively still common among the youth in Nyanza. There are about 25 anti-crime clubs in Nyanza. “You should be defined by your voices and actions against crimes and drug abuse in particular. By doing good and legal things, and reporting a drug dealer or any other wrongdoers in your communities and wherever you are you will be contributing and preserving the safety and security this country enjoys today,” IP Bizimana told the students. Anti-crime clubs are among the initiatives under community policing. Others include community policing committees at the village and cell levels, neighbourhood watch scheme, youth volunteers in community policing and community awareness, among others, which have been credited with improving safety and security in the country. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
