Five year legislative review
5. Appointment of a Deputy Ombudsman
| What is the current position? |
The powers of the Office reside in the Police Ombudsman as a Corporation Sole. Although the Police Ombudsman may delegate powers appropriately, there is no Deputy Police Ombudsman position. |
| What we propose |
We believe that legislation should provide for the appointment of a Deputy Police Ombudsman. |
| Why is it important? |
This would address a current gap in the oversight structure, providing support for the work of the Police Ombudsman, as well as a deputising role in the Ombudsman’s absence. A Deputy Ombudsman should be appointed by the Police Ombudsman and should not be subject to similar disqualifications as for the appointment of the Police Ombudsman. Such appointments are provided for in other ombudsman legislation. For instance, in Fiosrú, the Office of the Police Ombudsman in Ireland, the old three Commissioner model has been replaced by a single head of the organisation, who is supported by a Deputy Police Ombudsman and a Chief Executive Officer. |