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How to File a Complaint Against a Police Officer — Step by Step in Rishon LeZion
Anyone who believes they were harmed by police conduct can file a complaint with MAHASH (Police Investigations Department) or the Public Complaints Commissioner — free, no lawyer required.
About Rishon LeZion
Rishon LeZion is home to a large, active Israeli-Ethiopian community, historically concentrated in the Ramat Eliyahu neighbourhood — originally built as absorption housing and now a long-standing community centre. The neighbourhood is at the heart of urban-renewal efforts, alongside a growing second-generation presence across the city.
Two Complaint Bodies
MAHASH (Police Investigations Department) handles suspected criminal misconduct — assault, excessive force, bribery. It operates under Justice Ministry oversight.
The Public Complaints Commissioner is an independent external body for non-criminal misconduct — rudeness, poor judgment, delayed response.
Filing with both is often advisable.
Step-by-Step
Step 1 — Collect evidence. Officer name and badge number, exact date/time/location, witness names and phones, photos or video (legal in public spaces), any documents received, and a same-day medical record if you were injured.
Step 2 — File with MAHASH. Online at mahash.gov.il (fastest) or in person at a MAHASH office in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, or Be'er Sheva. Time limit: 30 days (extensions available with justification).
Step 3 — File with the Ombudsman. Online or by registered mail at ombudsman.gov.il. The Ombudsman must notify you of any decision and its reasoning.
Free support from TEBEKA. TEBEKA provides free complaint drafting, representation before MAHASH, and case monitoring. Call 1-800-20-20-16 or visit tebeka.org.il.
Realistic Outcomes
Most files are closed without action, but documented complaints build a record. Two incidents against the same officer can trigger internal affairs review. Criminal charges are rare but possible with strong evidence. Civil lawsuits are a parallel option for damages.
Ethiopian community in Rishon LeZion
- Community population
- ~12,000
- Share of city
- ~8%
- Main neighbourhoods
- רמת אליהו, נחלה
- Community services
- תנה בריאות, ביטוח לאומי מקומי
More rights in Rishon LeZion
This right in other cities
FAQ — Rishon LeZion
- How many Ethiopian-Israelis live in Rishon LeZion?
- The Ethiopian-Israeli community in Rishon LeZion numbers approximately ~12,000 residents — around ~8% of the city's population. Main neighbourhoods: רמת אליהו, נחלה.
- How do I claim How to File a Complaint Against a Police Officer — Step by Step in Rishon LeZion?
- Contact Tebeka — they operate nationally including in Rishon LeZion. For support: תנה בריאות, ביטוח לאומי מקומי.
- What community support is available in Rishon LeZion for this right?
- In Rishon LeZion, the following organisations can assist with paperwork, translation and entitlement: תנה בריאות, ביטוח לאומי מקומי.
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