Rwanda National Police has urged community patrol members in Nyanza District to strengthen their commitment to safeguarding security by working closely with law enforcement and other institutions, while providing timely information to prevent crimes before they occur.
The awareness campaign was held in Busasamana Sector as part of ongoing initiatives across the Southern Province aimed at increasing citizens’ and community partners’ understanding of their role in maintaining public safety and security.
Community Patrol Members Say Training Strengthens Their Performance
Participants said the awareness campaign has helped them better understand their responsibilities and improve the way they carry out their daily duties.
Nsanzimfura Etienne, a community patrol member from Busasamana Sector, said the discussions have enhanced cooperation with security agencies: “This campaign helps us know exactly how to conduct ourselves in our duties and how to cooperate effectively with other institutions in ensuring security,”
Another patrol member, Nshizirungu Claude, noted that regular training reminds volunteers of their responsibilities and motivates them to perform their duties more effectively: “When we receive such discussions, they help us clearly understand our duties and continue patrolling effectively. It strengthens our cooperation with the Police and other institutions in fighting crime and protecting citizens’ safety,”
Police Urge Community Patrols to Demonstrate Professionalism
Speaking during the campaign, SP Halima Nyirimpuhwe, the Police–Community Relations Coordinator in the Southern Province, encouraged patrol members to perform their duties with professionalism, honesty, and discipline.
She reminded them to avoid any conduct that could expose them to criminal activities and instead remain exemplary partners in maintaining peace and security: “You are required to perform your work professionally, avoid anything that could involve you in crime, and be good partners of the Police in maintaining security,”
Timely Information Sharing Helps Prevent Crime
The Police spokesperson in the Southern Province, CIP Hassan Kamanzi, underscored the important role community patrols play in preventing crime through close collaboration with security agencies.
He said community patrol members are often the first to observe suspicious activities within their neighborhoods, making timely reporting essential for preventing criminal acts: “Patrol members have a significant role in preventing and combating crime. We reminded them to continue working with the Police and other institutions, providing information on time so that crimes are prevented before they happen.”
Local Leaders Praise Community Patrols for Supporting Security
The Executive Secretary of Busasamana Sector, Bizimana Egide, commended community patrol members for their contribution to maintaining peace and public order.
He said continuous awareness campaigns help volunteers improve their performance while correcting behaviors that may undermine public trust: “Patrols contribute to preventing and fighting crime. That is why this campaign is important, as it reminds them of their responsibilities and helps those who may have shown misconduct to change.”
Police to Continue Community Security Awareness Campaigns
Rwanda National Police said similar awareness campaigns will continue across districts in the Southern Province to strengthen cooperation between security institutions and local communities.
The initiative reinforces the message that effective crime prevention depends on strong partnerships between law enforcement, local leaders, community patrol members, and citizens, ensuring that public safety remains a shared responsibility.
