NCJ Number
153983
Date Published
Unknown
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This booklet describes the statutory authorization for Israel's Police and Prison Service Personnel Ombudsman, along with the Ombudsman's responsibilities and procedures.
Abstract
The April 28, 1980, amendment to the Israel National Police Act established the office of Police and Prison Service Personnel Ombudsman. The Office of the Ombudsman officially commenced operations on April 28, 1980. The Ombudsman is appointed for a 5- year period by the Minister of Police. The Ombudsman receives complaints from the following individuals: An Israel National Police (INP) officer or Israel Prison Service (IPS) officer with a grievance; the spouse, parents, children (aged 16 and over) and brother/sister (aged 16 and over) of an INP/IPS officer with a grievance; and the representative of an INP/IPS officer with a grievance. The creation of the Office of the Ombudsman in no way prevents INP and IPS officers from exercising their basic right of submitting complaints to their immediate superiors. Enjoying the same powers as a court of law, the Ombudsman is authorized to demand that evidence be submitted under oath, to seize documents, to subpoena witnesses, and to hear evidence. The Ombudsman is empowered to request that any injustice or error revealed by the investigation be corrected and to recommend measures for ensuring that the injustice or error not be repeated in the future. This report lists a sample of acts that can be the subject of a complaint to the Ombudsman and also some acts that cannot be the subject of a complaint to the Ombudsman. Information is also provided on the publication of Ombudsman's findings and communicating with INP/IPS personnel.