[2] Although generally regarded as a versatile and competent paramilitary force, the gendarmerie has been severely tested in dealing with civil disorder since 1988.
It frequently has lacked sufficient manpower at the scene of disorder and its units have been inadequately trained and equipped for riot control.
[4] The gendarmerie is responsible for maintaining law and order in villages, towns, and rural areas; providing security surveillance over local inhabitants; and representing government authority in remote regions, especially where tensions and conflicts have occurred in the past.
[citation needed] In addition to utilizing training provided by the French since independence, the gendarmerie operates its own schools for introductory and advanced studies.
The gendarmerie's main training center is at Sidi Bel Abbes, The officers school is at Isser, about 80 kilometers east of Algiers.