The Rwanda National Police (RNP) has welcomed 2,256 new recruits in the 20th cohort, where the Minister of Internal Security, Vincent Biruta, urged them to prioritize the needs of citizens in everything they do.
The new police officers were inducted into service this Friday October 25, 2024, after completing nine months of training at the Rwanda Police Training School located in Gishari, Rwamagana District.
Among the recruits, there are 1,777 men and 479 women.
These new officers demonstrated some of the training they received, including how to handle protests, shooting techniques, rescue operations for kidnapped individuals, crowd control, and various self-defense methods.
The Director of the Gishari Police School, CP Robert Niyonshuti, noted that these recruits underwent ten months of training to join the Rwanda National Police.
Commissioner of Police (CP) Robert Niyonshuti, the Director of Gishari Police School
He mentioned that they started with 2,135 students, but 26 were unable to complete the training for various reasons.
Additionally, he said that 147 other students received training at the Musanze Police Academy, where they also began their university studies. He mentioned that some would be joining the Rwanda National Police, while others would work in the National Intelligence and Correctional Services.
Minister Vincent Biruta stated that the historical journey Rwanda has undergone has made the leadership prioritize security, and over the past 30 years, Rwandans have worked together, which has led to significant development and rebuilding.
He said, “To continue on this path, we need security through a professional police force that is skilled, strong, equipped with modern tools, and possesses good conduct stemming from training like the one we completed today and other various programs.”
Minister Biruta remarked that Rwandans are generally pleased with the current state of security but acknowledged that there are still visible crimes, including alcohol abuse, theft, assault, drug trafficking, road accidents, and others that threaten the public.
He added, “There are also criminals who continuously learn new tricks and use technology to commit crimes. This gives us the task to continuously train to enhance our knowledge, increase the number of police officers, and acquire tools that assist us in our daily work to effectively prevent and combat crime in all its forms.”
Minister Biruta emphasized that Rwandans appreciate the National Police for its excellent work since its establishment, noting that its contributions have allowed them to carry out their duties safely, leading to Rwanda’s economy growing annually.
He also thanked the parents who entrusted their children to receive training to join the Rwanda National Police, saying they have found their elders in these responsibilities.
He told them that the lessons they received would serve as a foundation for them to make significant contributions to their work.
He said, “You should be characterized by professionalism, diligent work, integrity, and striving for the pride of Rwanda and Rwandans wherever you go.”
