Kigali: Twenty-seven Police officers from Rwanda National Police (RNP) and South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS) started a three-week basic Airport Security course at the RNP General Headquarters in Kacyiru.
Fourteen of the trainees are from South Sudan. It was organized as a requirement and condition by International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for all officers working at the airports.
Commissioner of Police (CP) Robert Niyonshuti, Commissioner for Training and Development in RNP, while officially opening the course, said that security and safety of airports is critical and requires well trained and skilled officers.
“Terrorism is real and aviation is one of the vulnerable sectors. Security of airports is a challenge to law enforcement officers, confronting it requires officers equipped with necessary tools in terms of knowledge and skills,” CP Niyonshuti said.
He added: “Aviation industry is a cornerstone of the modern economy. It is a highly competitive and rapidly growing sector facing challenges related to performance, innovation, safety, sustainability, air traffic management and infrastructure. Aviation safety and security calls for our constant vigilance, and for strategic anticipation at all levels, to stay ahead of the threat.”
During the next three weeks, trainees will look at the overview of international civil aviation security, access control of people and vehicles, recognition of explosives and other restricted articles; search procedures; patrol and guarding the airport, screening and searching passengers and luggage as well as protection of aircraft, among others.
CP Niyonshuti said that Rwanda and South Sudan Police institutions enjoy “excellent cooperation.”
The two institutions signed a memorandum of understanding to partner in various areas of policing including the exchange of information and training in cyber and aviation security as well as other career, professional and academic courses.
South Sudan Police officers have previously attended cadet courses and other command courses, including the Police Senior Command and Staff Course (PSCSC), in Rwanda.
They are also part of the ongoing 8th PSCSC intake and 6th Junior Staff and Command Course (JCSC) at the National Police College (NPC) in Musanze District.(End).