Source: The New Times
A group of 77 police officers, 70 of them women, were yesterday commissioned after completing a three-month Police basic training at Police Training School in Gishari, Rwamagana District.

The eighth Police basic training pass-out ceremony, held at the force's headquarters in Kacyiru, is the first to produce a larger number of women officers compared to men in any recruitment drive since the force was established about 12 years ago.

This brings female police officers to about 20 percent of the over 10,000 strong police force.

Conferring the officers to the rank of Police Constable, Sheikh Musa Fazil Harelimana, the Internal Security Minister, underscored the importance of bridging the gap between male and female Police officers.

"The constitution calls for at least 30% female representation, but given what I see here, we can even surpass the required percentage," Harelimana observed.

The minister noted that the force was currently focusing on quality thus the initiative to recruit graduates "given the changing nature of crimes that requires qualifications in other disciplines."

The officers' expertise, he explained, was equally required regionally and internationally through peacekeeping initiatives.

"You have to serve with commitment, hard work and discipline; that way you will progress in your careers because nothing comes by chance," he advised.

Assistant Commissioner of Police, Bruce Munyambo, the Commandant of the Police Training School, urged the officers to uphold what they learnt to help them in their policing responsibilities.

"The training you have received is not only for your self defence but to serve the public," noted Munyambo.

He urged the officers to serve with humility and dignity.

The recruits were given Paramilitary and Police lessons, UN peacekeeping operations and UN selection assistance training.

• Rwanda