MOGADISHU, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) police has kicked off a ten-day training exercise for Somali police officers to strengthen the force's capability to investigate crimes and prosecute suspects.

Tresphord Kasale, AMISOM Police Coordinator for South West state said the aim of the training which started late Wednesday is to develop the skills of the 20 officers drawn from different parts of South West region to enable them gather concrete evidence during investigation of crimes.

"The purpose of this course is to empower our local police on how to gather information, how to process information and how to analyze that information and give an informed decision on their work," Kasale said in a statement issued in Mogadishu on Thursday.

Adan Ali Hassan, Training Coordinator of South West Police, said the course will benefit the officers in their day-to-day activities of maintaining law and order.

"We opened a seminar on criminal investigation where 20 officers from South West Forces will be trained. The training will continue for 10 days; 16 male and 4 female officers are taking part in the training. I hope they will benefit from the lessons covered during the course," said Hassan.

The AU mission said its numerous trainings which are being conducted by its police component are aimed at transforming the Somalia police force intro professional outfit capable of securing the country and maintaining law and order.

AMISOM troops are expected to relinquish the security of the key towns, to the Somali forces, through a conditions-based transition plan, to allow them take the lead responsibility as part of the planed exit.