Members of the District Administration Security Support Organ (DASSO) have been told to always maintain a high level of discipline and ensure provision of high quality security services to the public as expected of them.

Francis Kaboneka, the Minister for Local Government, made the remarks while addressing over one hundred DASSO personnel and officials in charge of good governance at provincial and district levels during a meeting in Kigali yesterday.

"You cannot earn the trust of citizens if you are indiscipline, violent or corrupt. You are required to be disciplined at all times and help tackle societal challenges with confidence and professionalism,” Kaboneka told DASSO members.

"You should not tolerate colleagues who are disrespectful to the public, or tolerate indiscipline such as drunkenness because they paint an ugly image to the institution,” he said.

He reminded them to cooperate with Police at all times and share information in order to play their role in overcoming crime.

"Collaborate with Rwanda National Police and other security organs and also ensure to collaborate with the public in a friendly manner,” he added.

The meeting, that was also graced by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Emmanuel K. Gasana, and several senior police officers, aimed at discussing how to foster discipline and professionalism, as well as tackle challenges faced by DASSO members in their daily operations.

In his remarks, IGP Gasana commended DASSOs for their efforts, through which they have seized many illicit drugs, apprehended criminals and handed them over to Police, as well as gathered and shared criminality information with Police officers.

He also reminded them to uphold virtues of discipline as the foundation of their success.

"It takes 25 years to build a reputation but only five minutes to destroy it,” IGP Gasana said.

"Therefore, concentrate on building your reputation through efficiency and discipline – and let us continue to work together to deliver safety and development for everyone in Rwanda.”

DASSO is under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Local Government but operates with the Police.

There are currently over 2,100 DASSO members countrywide with a mandate to support district authorities to enforce security and collaborate with law enforcers to ensure public order.

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