The Ombudsperson and the Commissioner for the State Police
© State Parliament RLP / J. Kay
Martin Haller, Ombudsperson of the State of Rhineland-Palatinate
The office of the Ombudsperson was established in Rhineland-Palatinate more than 35 years ago. Since then, more than 100,000 petitions have been processed. Today, around 5,000 citizens contact the Ombudsperson each year seeking help in resolving their problems with the authorities in Rhineland-Palatinate.
The Ombudsperson is based at the State Parliament of Rhineland-Palatinate and works closely not only with the State Parliament’s Petitions Committee but also with the Petitions Committee of the German Bundestag and with the European Ombudsman.
The State Act “Landesgesetz über den Bürgerbeauftragten des Landes Rheinland-Pfalz und den Beauftragten für die Landespolizei vom 3. Mai 1974“ provides the basis for the statutory mandate. Following this Act, the Ombudsperson must, among other things, strengthen the position of the citizens and work towards an amicable resolution of matters.
Citizens often feel that they are not being treated fairly by administrations and public authorities, or they question the decisions made by them. The Ombudsperson supports those seeking help and mediates in cases of complaints against administrations and public authorities. In two out of three cases, solutions acceptable to both sides are found in this way.
You can reach out to the Ombudsperson in writing, by telephone, fax or email. However, if you prefer to explain your matter in person, that option is also available. The dates of the Ombudsperson’s consultation days are announced in the local press and in official journals and information bulletins. You can also find them on SWR television teletext, page 725.
By resolution of the State Parliament, the Ombudsperson of Rhineland-Palatinate has also been the Commissioner for the State Police since mid-July 2014.
The Commissioner for the State Police serves as the point of contact for citizens’ complaints or suggestions regarding the state police. Police officers may also contact the Commissioner directly regarding matters relating to the performance of their duties without having to go through official channels.