Musanze: Security meeting discuss on strengthening community policing

{Residents of Musanze District have been urged to promote the concept of neighborhood watch, community night patrols and timely information sharing as means to enhance community policing and crime prevention in particular.}

The call was made during a recent district security meeting that was presided over by the Mayor, Jean Claude Musabyimana and drew local leaders, representatives of security organs and over 5800 residents of Musanze sector.

In his address to the residents, Mayor Musabyimana pointed out that it has been proven that “neighbourhood watch and community patrols contribute significantly to crime prevention.”

“These programmes are designed to bridge the gap between the community and the law enforcement. People take part in night patrols in their neighbourhoods to ensure safety of their respective communities …. during these patrols, whenever a problem is detected, residents should hurriedly inform the police,” the mayor told residents.

He went on to say that such community policing initiatives have potential to increase safety, as well as assist in reducing crime and empower the local community against criminals.

“For community patrols to be successful, they require active community involvement and strong collaboration with police as well as build a strong network to collectively overcome crime,” he said.

He further called them to be involved in awareness campaigns in crime prevention.

Community night patrols have been instrumental in helping Police to ensure maximum safety for lives and property through a fruitful partnership that focuses on involving residents in the security and safety of their neighborhoods.

During the same meeting, the District Community Liaison Officer (DCLO), Inspector of Police (IP) Viateur Ntiyamira who represented the District Police Commander in the meeting, said that through neighbourhood watch, residents recognize their ability to detect and ‎report anything illegal for quick response and ultimately creating a strong bond at all levels against anything unlawful.

Residents also pledged to share information with the police at all times.