Commissioner: Battling organized crime a "lengthy process;" cites attempts to hurt PM's investigators.
By JPOST.COM STAFFdudi cohen 298.88(photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski)
"I am sure the district stations, regional units and special Unit 433 will work determinedly and patiently to bring about a veritable change in the picture of crime [in Israel]," Israel Police Chief Inspector-General David Cohen said Tuesday evening, in an evening dedicated to the heritage of Israel Police.
The event took place following several consecutive assassination attempts between warring organized crime families in Israel, which often leave innocent bystanders wounded, and several weeks ago killed a Bat Yam mother as she stood next to a hit-man's target.
Cohen's remarks also came after several polls showed that public mistrust of police is at an all-time low, against a backdrop of a force failing to find the body of a four-year-old girl allegedly killed by her grandfather, despite utilizing scuba divers, volunteers and in more than one instance even taking into account the visions of mediums and self-professed psychics.
"We have been witnessing some incidents of harsh violence, during which bystanders were also hurt," Cohen said. "These incidents are intolerable. What happened yesterday in Netanya [an assassination attempt in which alleged mob kingpin Charlie Aboutbul and three bystanders were wounded], what happened in Bat Yam, these incidents are being handled by the district stations and by Unit 433."
"You all know, and no one knows more than you do, that there is not one decisive action that can prevent serious crime. But you know what activity is being taken and results can be seen," he went on.
Referring to the police recommendation to indict Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Cohen said "the 433 investigative unit has closed an important chapter in investigating the prime minister. Those who understand this kind of investigation know how complicated they are. There is a difference between deciding to investigate, investigating and wrapping up an investigation. Eventually, it's the evidence that speaks."
Not naming anyone, Cohen said that "during the [prime minister's] investigation there were attempts to hurt the investigators [but] during the probe they were absolutely backed by me. During the past 24 hours, there were complaints over the publication of findings, but this was done according to protocol. An investigator's duty is to summarize the case and examine whether there are enough evidence [to recommend indicting an investigated person or party]. This duty stems from the directives of the attorney general."
"Ratings are not one of our considerations and I wish to express my gratitude to the investigators," he added.
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