State Attorney Says Goodbye as Police Internal Investigations Unit Is Separated from the Prosecution

Photo: Yonatan Sindel, Flash90

State Attorney Amit Isman sent a letter this morning, Thursday, to employees of the Department for Investigating Police Officers, after the Knesset approved the law separating the department from the prosecution and turning it into an independent body within the Justice Ministry.

The move, promoted by the coalition after years of claims by political, legal and police figures that there is an inherent conflict of interest in having the department operate under the prosecution, is intended to strengthen the department’s independence and increase public trust in police oversight proceedings.

In his letter to employees, Isman referred to the opposition he and others in the law enforcement system voiced during the legislative process, but noted that “the Knesset has decided the matter.” According to him, a transition period will now begin, during which state bodies will need to prepare for implementing the new law.

At the same time, the State Attorney thanked the Department for Investigating Police Officers staff for their work over the years and stressed the importance of the department’s activity. “The Department for Investigating Police Officers has played a central and important role for years in preserving the rule of law, integrity, and public trust in law enforcement systems.” According to him, “the importance of the department is based on its professionalism, the substantive nature of its work, the independence of its judgment, and its ability to operate without fear and without bias. These values are a fundamental condition for public trust in law enforcement systems and are essential to the continued fulfillment of the department’s role in the future.”