Rwanda National Police has recruited 1,652 new officers after they completed of a 10-month basic training programme at Gishari Police Training School in Rwamagana District. The officers were awarded the rank of Police Constable during a ceremony presided over by Interior Minister Vincent Biruta at the police school on Wednesday, October 28. ALSO READ: RNP gets 1,900 new police officers Also in attendance were Inspector General of Police CG Felix Namuhoranye, Eastern Province Governor Prudence Rubingisa, Maj. Gen. Ruki Karusisi, Commander of the Rwanda Defence Force’s Fifth Division, and other government and security officials. Biruta urged the new officers to uphold integrity, respect human rights and build public trust as they begin their careers, warning that modern policing requires more than enforcing the law. “Today’s world requires police officers who can prevent crime, use technology responsibly, communicate effectively with citizens and make decisions based on the law, evidence and professional standards,” he said. The minister cited drug abuse, theft, road accidents, cybercrime, online fraud, human trafficking, terrorism and cross-border crime among the challenges facing law enforcement agencies. ALSO READ: Kagame commissions over 400 police officers He also warned that the rapid spread of information on social media can facilitate rumours and misinformation that can potentially threaten public safety and property. “The trust citizens place in the Police is essential both to the institution and to the country as a whole,” Biruta said. “When citizens trust the Police, they approach officers, provide information and work with them to prevent crime and build lasting security.” Biruta urged the recruits to exercise their authority lawfully and respectfully. “Our Police should not be an institution that citizens fear, but one they trust because they know it exists to protect them,” he said. He added that this did not mean officers should refrain from using their legal powers to prevent crime and maintain security, but that they should exercise those powers appropriately and with respect to human rights. The new officers began their training on January 30, with 1,681 candidates initially enrolled, according to CP Rafiki Mujiji, Commandant of Gishari Police Training School. However, he added that 29 did not complete the programme for various reasons, including illness and misconduct. Out of 1,652 graduates, 337 are women. The intake also includes 60 trainees from the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) and 40 from the Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS). During the 10-month programme, the recruits received training in firearms handling, public order management, community policing, police operations, relevant laws, first aid, leadership and communication, among other subjects. The graduation ceremony featured demonstrations of the skills acquired during training, including techniques for managing demonstrations and marksmanship. Biruta also called on the recruits to maintain discipline and integrity throughout their careers and strengthen cooperation with other institutions. “You must demonstrate good behaviour and integrity, work professionally and diligently, avoid misconduct and safeguard the honour of Rwanda and its people wherever you are deployed,” he said. “Continue to strengthen cooperation with other institutions and put citizens at the centre of all your activities, because the welfare of Rwandans is the goal we all strive to achieve,” he added. During the ceremony, Biruta rewarded the three best-performing graduates. Moses Shema emerged first, followed by Jimmy Gatete in second place and Abdallah Musinga in third. The minister commended the police for expanding its personnel and maintaining operations to protect the public, while assuring the force of continued government support.
