Rwanda National Police (RNP) held a one-day session on community policing for about 120 truck drivers, at the General Headquarters Kacyiru, to strengthen efforts in fighting and preventing crimes.
The cross-border truck drivers were encouraged to play their role in fighting crimes like smuggling, drug trafficking and human trafficking.
The session also focused on road safety, political and civic education, and patriotism.
It was in line with the proactive policing approach to further build cooperation and collaboration with different actors in security and development matters.
The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) in charge of Operations, Vincent Sano thanked the participants for their commitment to national security and development.
“Be good ambassadors of Rwanda, and that goes with values and guiding principles like patriotism, unity, dignity, teamwork, social cohesion and hard work,” DIGP Sano said.
These values, he added, go hand-in-hand with crime prevention and crime reporting to fight both internal and cross-border crimes.
The Deputy Police Chief reminded the heavy truck drivers to abide by traffic regulations and to exhibit behaviours that instill the culture of safer road usage.
“Remember, roads are used by other motor-vehicles, and pedestrians, which requires respect for each other, avoiding driving under influence, regulating speed and other practices that can divide your attention on the road.”
Justin Kanyagisaka, who heads an association of heavy truck drivers, said the session has reminded them of their responsibility as Rwandans to be professional drivers, and to contribute to national security and development.
“Policing and security is no longer the sole responsibility of one or two institutions; it’s a collective responsibility and as truck drivers, we also have that patriotic duty to play our part, avoid facilitating criminality, fight cross-border crimes like smuggling, drug trafficking and others,” Kanyagisaka said.
To Joseph Karangwa, a truck driver, the training has helped them understand their role in partnering with the Police in safety and security. (End)