Rwanda National Police

A total of 2171 personnel of the newly created District Administrative Security Support Organ (Dasso) who include 229 females, on August 22, completed a three-month training at the Police Training School in Gishari, Rwamagana district.

The Minister for Local Government, Francis Kaboneka presided the pass out of the first intake.

It was also attended by the Minister for Internal Security Sheikh Mussa Fazil Harerimana, Inspector General of Police, Emmanuel K. Gasana, Provincial Governors and district mayors, among others.

Minister Kaboneka challenged  security personnel to serve with maximum discipline to maintain public trust.

He urged Dasso officers to be exemplary adding that the government would monitor their behaviour.

He said those found misbehaving will be expelled and punished according to the law.

Minister Kaboneka also noted that the government is committed to keeping law and order in society.

“You are expected to add value to the already well disciplined security set-up…you shouldn’t turn to be a problem instead of a solution. Protect people and public infrastructure selflessly,” he said.

He appealed to local leaders to provide all necessary support to this new organ in order to perfect their duties.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Wilson Kayitare, the Commandant of the PTS thanked them for maintaining the maximum discipline during the three-month training and also urged them to be exemplary in their new community security assignment.

The training covers various policing disciplines such as weapon handling, basic crime investigation, public order management and civic education.

Dasso was enacted by law No.26/213 of May 10, 2013 as district staff operating on special statute.

It replaces the 10-year old Local Defence Forces and will be in charge of security at the decentralised entities.

The new administrative organ which is well structured and coordinated will be composed of 7420 members countrywide, who will all go through similar training before commencing their duties.

Its responsibilities include reinforcing district decisions and instructions adopted in line with security, collaborate with other organs to ensure public order, prevention and management of disasters.

They also have power to arrest anyone found disrupting public order and take him to police.