At least 370 people have joined District Administration Security Support Organ (DASSO) after completing a three-month training course at the Police Training School (PTS) Gishari, yesterday.

The pass-out ceremony was presided over by the State Minister for Socio-Economic Development, Vincent Munyeshyaka.

It was also attended by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Emmanuel K. Gasana, and Deputy IGP in charge of Administration and Personnel, Juvenal Marizamunda as well as mayors of 15 districts where the graduands were recruited from.

Up to 88 of the trainees were females.

Emphasising on professionalism and discipline, Munyeshyaka said the two principles are very essential for service excellence in the security-related duties they are undertaking to efficiently serve the people.

"DASSO was created with a purpose; its success depends on what you will be doing individually and collectively. It is a duty to that you have undertaken to serve the people and the nation with maximum discipline, self-esteem but also working with the people and security institutions,” Munyeshyaka said.

He commended Rwanda National Police leadership for its continued commitment and support through extending skills to DASSO members and other partners in policing.

According to the Commandant of PTS, Vianney Nshimiyimana, the course covered key lessons that include community policing philosophy, leadership and management, ethics and integrity, weapon handling, and martial art.

The trainees were also enlightened on various government development programmes.

Anastase Bigina, a graduate who spoke on behalf of his compatriots, said they were "proud for having been given the trust and selected to serve their country.”

Established under a May 10, 2013 law, Dasso is a district organ mandated to support law enforcement in districts.

The law tasks them to arrest any person involved in disruption of public order and hand them over to the Police.

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