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Fellow Rwandans, on behalf of Rwanda National Police, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and happy New Year 2014.}

During this year, a strong and tremendous partnership was realized between the public and the Police; this resulted in crime reduction by 2.1 percent in this last quarter alone and a reduction of Road traffic related offences by 34.9 percent in the same period compared to the last quarter of the 2012/2013 festive season.

The most common crimes reported include assault, theft, defilement/Rape and drug abuse which were a result of domestic conflicts, drug abuse and drunkardness. While road related offenses were caused by over speeding, drunkenness, violating traffic lights and not respecting Zebra Crossings.

To reduce crimes, various policing measures were initiated, such as: sensitization in schools, drug abuse campaigns and reinforcing the community Policing Programs.
The decentralization of the Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers (MIC) and various preventive measures that were established such as the road safety campaigns were the main causes of the decrease of traffic related offenses.

We can’t forget to highlight that during this year, we have witnessed environmental degradation that have caused the loss of people lives and property in different parts of the country which is a result of people living in high risk zones.

{{Our Goal for the next year}}

Our enhanced partnerships and collaboration with the public decreased crimes tremendeously and traffic related offenses.

The Rwanda National Police’s vision is to make the people living in Rwanda feel safe, involved and reassured. We need to make this vision a reality during this new year of 2014; we need to strengthen our partnership more than before.

We request you to help us fulfill our mission, which is to deliver high quality service, accountability and transparency, safeguard the rule of law and provide a safe and crime free environment for all by:
– Giving Timely information of any security threats and liase with security organs and local govt
– respecting traffic rules and regulations
– Avoiding the excessive use of alcohol and drink driving
– Stopping the use of narcotics and illicit brews
– Moving from places highlighted as high risk zones.

{{Message for the festive season}}

The festive season is at our door steps. People living in Rwanda expect happy moments during and after the new year. It is our hope that all people enjoy their holidays happily and safely during this season.

However, it has been observed that during this festive, there could be an increase of criminal activities and road accidents caused by drunk driving, excessive use of alcohol, drug abuse and domestic violence. The Rwanda National Police will not tolerate these unwanted behaviors.

We take this opportunity to inform the public that strategies were set up to make sure people living in Rwanda will have a peaceful and secure festive season.

Again the Rwanda National Police wish you a Merry Christmas and happy New Year, The New Year of peace and security, the Year of development and Prosperity.

I Thank you.

{{ACP Damas GATARE
Police Spokesperson

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