Police Applauds Impact of Social Media

Rwanda National Police (RNP) Spokesperson, Supt Theos Badege, has applauded the institution’s social media as a communication breakthrough especially regarding content management.

“Information can be updated, altered, supplemented, discussed and packaged in a way that is different from traditional ways of communicating,” Badege said.

RNP has used the social networks for a year now and they have proved to be one of the fastest and effective means of communicating to the public in and out of the country.

According to the police statement, today, RNP uses social media networks to sensitize the public about abstaining from crimes. For example it used face book and twitter to sensitize youth to abstain from drugs during and after the anti drug campaign.

Further to that the public use face book and twitter to ask for temporary and practical driving exam, how they can register, and procedure to take when declaring lost identifications among others.

Through social media RNP is also able to give Rwandans minute by minute timely and updated information allowing the public to follow proceedings as they unfold during big events.

Though use of social media remains a challenge due to high illiteracy levels and less internet access, the progress so far is promising.

Meanwhile RNP also employs conventional means of communication such as its monthly and quarterly Kinyarwanda and English magazines TV, and Radio to ensure Rwandans from all walks of life easily access Police related information.

Social media has become one of the most effective tools of communication that has allowed people from all walks of life to express their views and opinions unhindered.

It has become popular with the masses due to ease of use. Timely sharing of information has allowed people to know what is taking place faster than conventional means.

Realizing its potential, government institutions have embraced social media and used it as a faster way to easily reach out to the public through announcements, communicating their agendas and generally ensure that the public is aware of services they offer.