Bukavu, 11 November 2013 – A training session on the principles of community policing was held in Bukavu, capital of South Kivu province, from 4 to 8 November 2013, for Congolese National Police (PNC) officials of South Kivu, with the support of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO).

The training, which was organized by the United Nations Police (UNPOL) in the context of security sector reform in the D.R. Congo, was targeted at some forty territorial unit commanders, police stations commanders, district police commanders and staff officers of the Provincial Police Station.

As a first step, trainers focused on the legal framework of the reform of the Congolese National Police (PNC), recalling the relevant legislation, including the major innovations introduced by the Organic Law on the organization and functioning of the Congolese National Police.

On that basis, the trainers then addressed the notion of community policing, defined as involving a more proactive police force, operating closer to the population, and with the ability to respond more effectively to the security needs of the inhabitants. Such a police force, in other words, works at once on prevention, dissuasion and enforcement, the training participants learned.

The remainder of the program was devoted to analyzing such concepts as administrative authority, judicial authority, maintenance and restoration of public order, as well as presenting the institutions competent to control the Congolese National Police.

Alain Likota/MONUSCO