A group of 433 members of the District Administration Security Service Organ (DASSO) including 100 females, on Tuesday, completed a three-month basic training at the Police Training School (PTS) Gishari in Rwamagana District.

The administrative security personnel from 19 districts join over 2,000 others, who completed in the maiden intake more than a year ago, following the enactment of the May 10, 2013 law establishing DASSO as a district organ that was mandated to support law enforcement in local governments.

The closing ceremony was presided over by the Minister of Local Government, Francis Kaboneka, who was accompanied by the Minister of Internal Security, Sheikh Musa Fazil Harerimana and also attended by the Inspector General of Police, Emmanuel K. Gasana.

It was also attended by provincial Governors, the new mayor of the City of Kigali, Monique Mukaruliza and all the newly elected district mayors.

"You are joining others DASSO personnel, who have done a commendable job in more than a year of their service, so your coming in should add value,” Minister Kaboneka said.

He emphasized that Rwandans have a lot to benefit from DASSO responsibilities.

"You have to always embark on crime prevention, and where a crime has been committed you should work with security organs to respond effectively. Security responsibilities aren’t that easy, for you to succeed you need to be driven by passion, patriotism and professionalism.”

 Among the tasks that await the new DASSO personnel, he said; include dealing with Gender Based Violence and issues related to environmental degradation and drug abuse among others.

The mandate of DASSO includes arrest of any person caught red-handed committing a crime and handing them over to Police; to inform any administrative entity in case of any suspicious security threat, among others.

"For you to accomplish your tasks, you must ensure you deliver to the best of your expectations; you should be characterized by commitment and serve the interest of the general public rather than individual interests; the only way to ease your work is to respect and listen to the people you serve,” Kaboneka said.

The Commandant of PTS, Commissioner of Police John Bosco Kabera, said that the graduands were equipped with skills including weapon handling, foot drills, public order management, patrols, fighting crime, how to work and support local administration in daily work.

"You exhibited enthusiasm and passion during the training and the skills you acquired should help you to further make societies safer,” said the Commandant. 

During the event, the three best performers were also awarded for their exceptional performance during the training.

Patrick Mayisha, one of the trainees who spoke on behalf of members, thanked Rwanda National Police for equipping them with all the necessary skills and pledged to work with all stakeholders to maintain law and order.