Police officers have started training in Community Policing concept as the Force continues to strengthen proactive approach to fighting crimes.The training that begun in Rwamagana, on Wednesday, attracted Police stations’ officers, anti-gender-based violence officers and cell leaders (CPCs) from Eastern Province districts.Police Spokesperson Theos Badege said the course is in line with the Rwanda National Police strategy to have all officers trained in community policing.Badege said the officers discussed the principles and role of police in crime prevention and reduction, fighting against domestic violence and service delivery.He said the Police-local leader partnership in crime prevention was being promoted, adding that every citizen has a role to play in crime prevention.“The training started in this province, but will continue to the rest of the country. Policing is modernising, not only to identify and punish criminals but also analysis of crimes must be done,” Badege said.“We discussed strategies to protect the public. You know we dealt with anti-drug abuse, human trafficking, etc. Crimes tend to change faces with time, which is why we have to keep informed.”Police in Eastern Province districts have been recording high cases of drug abuse, trafficking and domestic violence.Francisca Mutiganda, the Rwamagana District vice mayor who participated in the two-day training, urged stakeholders to devise new ways to combat GBV.Citing recent cases of violence that led to deaths, Mutiganda said the challenge is enormous.“I still have bad memories of a man who recently slaughtered his wife and son like chicken. Deaths of that nature have continued in Rwamagana, so we must think critically for sustainable solutions,” Mutiganda said.
