We need a States ombudsman

Tuesday 15th July 2008, 1:59PM BST.

From Matthew McNulty
I THINK the time has come for the States to consider employing a full-time ombudsman. With different disputes over Haut de la Garenne, Health, Education, Police and other departments, I do not think whistle-blowing is the right answer.

As they say in the USA, if you become a whistle-blower, you’d better have a new job lined up.

Otherwise, complaints from the public will not be taken seriously, or people will be fobbed off with frivolous answers.

The Ombudsman’s Office must be free from political influences and have the powers to execute his job at the highest level.

If this facility was in place, it would give more encouragement to the people of Jersey to pursue their grievances.
14 Clos St André,
St Andrew’s Road,
St Helier.