RNP embarks on environmental policing

{Rwanda National Police (RNP) has said that it will reinforce and empower its Environmental Protection Unit (EPU) in its effort to effectively combat environmental-related crimes.}

In an interview with Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Theos Badege, the commissioner for Criminal Investigation Department (CID), of which EPU operates under, empowering the unit is crucial to have the ability and skills to confront and handle any environmentally related challenge.

“Environmental Protection Unit has been in force for the last six month and it operates closely with all stakeholders including NGOs, concerned ministries, REMA, local leaders and youth grouping,”‎ said ACP Badege.

He added that it is tasked with higher responsibility of environmental protection, from law enforcement to participation in the preservation of environment through environmental education, practical interpretation of the environmental laws to citizens and engaging in the public environment management awareness process.

“The specialized unit is set to conduct countrywide systematic mapping of environmental crimes – a study that would facilitate the unit to effectively conduct investigations aimed at combating threats to ecosystem.‎”

Currently, RNP is much involved in turning Nyabarongo River blown waters blue, which Badege said that although it may not sound that simple but its possible and the force is determined to achieve it.

“We are approaching this issue right from the sources of tributaries as well as putting in place mechanisms like ensuring tree-planting and discouraging riverbed mining. We want everyone to own this process of turning Nyabarongo blue, we don’t want to arrest people for this. That way, the public can also take part in reporting other crimes by calling us on 0788311007,” he said.

He also pointed out that contemporary policing “requires addressing all issues that affect mankind before they happen.”

He outlined illegal charcoal burning, illegal mining, bush burning, illegal timber business, use and distribution of polythene bags, waste disposal that contaminates water bodies and noise pollution as some of the common environmental crimes‎.

“Environmental crime threatens human health and the natural conservation. Its complexity also poses a challenge to anyone who is into the preservation business including environmental activists,” said ACP Badege.

In justifying why police is involved in environmentally related issued, ACP Badege said that Police is “charged with law enforcement and ensuring security for the people and their products, when environment is not preserved that’s when disasters like floods and hurricane strike destroying properties and killing people.‎”

“To avoid such disasters and their effects, we have embarked on environmental policing but we do this with other agencies like Rwanda Environmental Management Authority (REMA), Ministry of Land and Natural Resources, One-UN and other stakeholders,” he said.

He went on to add that environmental crime, including its links with other forms of crime, pose a serious danger for development, stability and security.

He, however, insisted that police is not enthusiastic about arresting offenders but rather more on public sensitization.

“We prefer to invest a lot in campaigns and educating the public rather than punishing; however, this doesn’t mean that there are no provisions for penalising; punitive measures are in two categories, there is a jail term and a financial fine as per the penal code and other orders.”

“These are serious punishments that can be avoided but again someone need to think of the serious impact of these crimes – everyone is affected, that’s why we embark on encouraging the public to enthusiastically be part of preventive efforts,” ACP Badege said.

Among the activities that police has been involved in include tree planting (400 hectares) in different parts of the country, partnered with the City of Kigali in security and hygiene campaigns and cleaning up and greening the streets, environmental law enforcement and public outreach mainly through community awareness and talkshows.

“Environmental protection is a two way thing; you have to preserve what is already on ground and recreating new environmental aspects like tree-planting. The case of Rwanda is exceptional; all Umuganda activities are characterized with environmental protection practices this is why we want to make this a culture.”