Department for Investigation of Police Officers
Mahash
Summary
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Mahash (מח"ש) was established in 1992 under Police Ordinance (New Version) 5731-1971 ss. 49I–49K. It is an external criminal-investigations unit housed within the State Attorney's Office. Its ~85-person staff (investigators, intelligence officers, attorneys) is not drawn from active police. The head is appointed by a Civil Service Commission professional committee.
Mahash investigates criminal allegations against police officers where the penalty exceeds one year, including UOF/OID cases, and can file indictments in Magistrates Courts. It does not have binding discipline authority — non-criminal discipline remains with the internal Police Disciplinary Court (Bidam). Statutory evidence access is broad for criminal investigations but there is no specific BWC-access statute; in practice, access is granted case-by-case.
Staff are civilian attorneys and investigators, not sworn officers, but the statute does not mandate a civilian-majority composition by formula.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Executive appointment |
|---|---|
| Term length | Not specified |
| Removal standard | For cause only |
| Budget independence | Executive discretion |
| Subpoena power | Yes |
| Compel testimony | Yes |
| Records access | Full access |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | Executive review |
Statute
- Name
- Police Ordinance (New Version)
- Citation
- Police Ordinance (New Version), 5731-1971, ss. 49I–49K (as amended)
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
All Israel Police officers (and, at the Attorney General's discretion, Shin Bet investigators) suspected of criminal offences carrying a penalty exceeding one year's imprisonment, including use-of-force and integrity offences.