The Rwanda National Police (RNP) has gained 1,612 new officers, who completed the Basic Police Course at the Police Training School (PTS) in Gishari, Rwamagana District, on Saturday, February 25. The Minister of Interior, Alfred Gasana, presided over the pass-out of the 18th intake, and gave them the rank of Police Constable. The ceremony was also attended by the new Inspector General of Police (IGP), Felix Namuhoranye, the Governor of Eastern Province, Emmanuel Gasana, the RCS Commissioner General, Juvenal Marizamunda, and the deputy IGP in charge of Administration and Personnel, Jeanne Chantal Ujeneza, among others. At least 419 new Police officers are women with other 40 officers expected to join the Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS). The new Police Constables also include 147 who are currently pursuing degree courses including bachelor's of law, information technology, languages and professional Police studies at the National Police College (NPC) in Musanze District. Minister Gasana said the pass-out shows the willingness of the government to support the Police in its work, increasing the number of Police officers and giving them the necessary knowledge to help them do their job well. The basic course and other trainings at different levels, he added, are important pillars in building professionalism in the force. The dedication, hard work, good behavior and unwavering character show us that you will behave well in your work and help the Rwanda National Police to achieve its tasks, Gasana said. The knowledge and skills acquired, he said, should become a good package in their duties. He urged them to work well with other police officers, be passionate and honest about their work, defend the pride of Rwanda and avoid any actions that can damage the good image of the Police and the country. The Police, he said, have the responsibility to guarantee the security of Rwandans and their property, prevent road accidents, fight against crimes and all other activities that may threaten the peace and security of people in Rwanda. The Minister reiterated that Rwanda National Police is well positioned in the implementation of its duties, both at home and across the borders in peacekeeping and security operations, which defines Rwanda as one of the countries in the world with stable security. He challenged the new officers to add value to the humanitarian activities that make Rwanda proud. Minister Gasana further commended the impact of the RNP beyond its safety and security obligations, to support and promote the welfare and wellbeing of the people. He asked the new Police Constables to continue in that direction, be exemplary in obeying the law, support government programmes and instill the same good culture and values among Rwandans. The different programmes that the government has for the Police, include improving the skills of the officers through internal and external training to help them get the latest tools, necessary for their daily work; so that the Police can provide better services to Rwandans and visitors. The PTS Commandant, Commissioner of Police (CP) Robert Niyonshuti, said that during 11 months, the graduands covered, among others, skills at arms, drills and duties, martial arts, public order management, Police operations, law, community policing, road safety, and use of force and firearms. They demonstrated commitment, selflessness, performed well in training with discipline, which will guide them to execute their obligations efficiently, CP Niyonshuti said. Over the past 11 months, he said, the PTS conducted other training programmes for 8,810 Police officers including a cadet course, Formed Police Units (FPU) and Individual Police Officers (IPO) set to be deployed to UN peacekeeping missions The School also conducted training for law enforcement officers to be deployed to Mozambique to support the security operations in Cabo Delgado Province; a Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO) course, driving and gunnery, DASSO, and youth volunteers.
