A total of 387 Police officers, yesterday, completed a counter terrorism course at the Police Counter-Terror Training Centre in Mayange, Bugesera district as the force continues to build capacities of officers in various policing disciplines.
The training focused on two disciplines; VIP Protection which lasted for three months and benefited 99 officers including 11 females, and Special Forces’ training in which 288 officers took part.
The Minister for Internal Security, Sheikh Musa Fazil Harerimana, who officiated at the pass-out, said such trainings “present a well performing and capable force.”
“Before 1994, the leadership and security organs of the time had a saying that an intervention comes after an incident. This created shame, unworthiness and made the genocide inevitable,” Minister Harerimana said.
Although Rwanda has not yet experienced public demonstration that requires police intervention, it is crucial for officers to acquire all modern policing skills, adding that it also helps them execute their duties well in peacekeeping missions, where they are charged with crowd control, among other tasks.
“Such trainings are in line with the government’s policy of initiating home-grown solutions, building capacities, values and dignity of officers, and use such skills to restore peace and security in other countries,” he added.
Among those holding professional positions is Commissioner of Police Vianney Nshimiyimana, currently heading the UN Police component in Ivory Coast.
He challenged the graduands to utilize the acquired skills towards sustainable security.
Assistant Inspector of Police Diana Mukundwa, the best overall performer in VIP Protection course, said the course was beneficial to her as an individual and the force in general.
“I can defend myself in times of need, and also protect those I am assigned to protect. This is an important element to a professional officer and I am happy for being part of this training,” AIP Mukundwa said.
Participants in the VIP protection course focused on physical training and security, surveillance, map reading, anti-terrorism and explosives.
On the other hand, the Basic Special Forces course focused on tactical skills and crowd control, martial arts, which are among the basic skills for Special Forces.
Training is among the priorities of the force to build capacities of the officers, which is seen as the basic requirements towards Police professionalism.
RNP
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