The Role of Ombudsman and DoS
Previously, I spoke about workers assemblies where regulation would be born from the cooperation of workers and community members. In a system that creates rules, standards, or agreements, there must be methods of monitoring and enforcement. The role of monitoring can be effectively taken up by a combination of circuit courts and ombudsmen.
The typical arrangement for ombudsmen takes the form of either internal or external, and either for business or government bodies. Ombudsmen are granted special powers to investigate the inter-workings of organizations. Usually they are granted power to subpoena documents, and interview witnesses under oath. They can begin an investigation either upon complaint or by their own initiative. They gather information by interviewing the complainant, personnel familiar with the matter, and by reviewing relevant files and communications. Based on their findings, the ombudsmen decides what, if any, action to recommend. If necessary, and in ideal conditions, the ombudsmen would simply need to explain to the complainant why the situation unfolded and the complainant will understand and have no further grievances. Inversely if the subject of an investigation is determined by the ombudsman to have acted improperly, they would attempt to persuade them to make amends. The power of the office lies in the ombudsman's ability to persuade the parties involved to accept the recommendation advanced by the ombudsman for resolving the complaint. If this solution is not acceptable, the complainant has the option to pursue action through the courts.
The work of ombudsmen is most effective at addressing discrete actions or decisions of those under investigation through recommendations and mediation. It is also important to have court circuits that would work to address larger patterns and functions, and to make stronger recommendations including deadlines and minimum required resolution metrics.
These courts have the option to create orders which would be voted on by a special emergency assembly. These emergency orders include provisions to deny services to the subjects of the order. Denial of services could constitute loss of logistical services (garbage, shipping, roads) and loss of utility services (internet, gas, electric, water).
