Police chief: We'll bring about real change in criminal landscape
Dudi Cohen says police will be determined, level-headed in their job; adds recent incidents in which innocent bystanders have been hurt unacceptable
Speaking at a police benefit, Police Commissioner Dudi Cohen expressed hope that recent police activities will stem crime in Israel.
While referring to recent criminal events and the investigation against Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Cohen said that he is "sure that all the different districts and units will be determined and level-headed in their work, and will bring about a real change in the criminal landscape."
"Recently we have witnessed numerous events in which innocent bystanders have been hurt", said the commissioner at a benefit honoring the Tel Aviv Police Department.
"These events are unacceptable. The incident that took place in Netanya on Monday, the incident in Bat Yam, are being investigated by the different districts and the Israel Police's new crime-fighting unit in a professional matter. We all know that one decisive act is not enough. Those of you in the know know that we are already starting to see results."
Later on, the commissioner referred to the investigation against Olmert: "The Israel Police's new crime-fighting unit (Lahav 433) closed an important chapter in the investigation. Those of you who know how complicated investigations can be are aware of the differences between the decision to investigate, the process of investigation and the end of it. It all comes down to the evidence test."
Cohen lashed out, saying that "during the course of the investigation, there were attempts to impugn the integrity of the investigators, who had my full backing."
"In the last day or so, some criticized the publication of police findings, which was done according to procedure. It is the duty of every investigator to summarize the case and to see if there is enough evidence. This duty is ordered by the government's chief legal council. Ratings are not a part of the decision making process, and I salute the investigators," he added.
