The following are some of the main points of the Minister of Public Security's policy for 2012, as was formed and agreed upon by the Ministry of Public Security's staff, in accordance with the regulations of the Minister of Public Security.
The 2012 policy document presents the aims, goals and emphases which are the guidelines for the planning and implementation of the work plan for the different units within the ministry and the authorities which are subject to the minister, and has been updated based on developments that have occurred within the ministry.
In the last few decades, Public Security has become an increasingly significant factor in Israel's overall national security. Phenomena such as violence, crime, anti-social behavior, organized crime and corruption, as well as the selling and using of drugs and alcohol, are today considered a very serious threat to the nation's foundations in general, and to Israeli society in particular. At the same time, the looming threats of terror and war make the public at large vulnerable.
Between 2009 and 2011, the Ministry undertook a number of efforts with the goal of strengthening the country's response capabilities to these dangers. These efforts, as well as additional efforts, will continue, with even more vigor, throughout 2012. Pursuant to this, the Ministry of Public Security and the authorities subject to it have undergone a number of key changes in the past few years:
- The Israel Police has increased the breadth of its operations and developed several advanced capabilities and organizational structures in an effort to better fight against major crimes and corruption.
- The Israel Prison Service has established itself as the national imprisonment organization. It provides an effective service in the framework of law enforcement and in every matter relating to prisoners.
- The Israel Witness Protection Authority began operating in an effort to improve the national fight against major crime.
- The national program, "City Without Violence," has grown, and to date has been implemented in over 80 communities throughout Israel. This year the developing process will continue, with a focus on expanding the project and utilizing its resources to the utmost.
- The Israel Anti-Drug and Alcohol Authority is continuing the process of formulating and implementing a national program to reduce the irresponsible consumption of alcohol, which includes, among other things, promoting new legislation.
- In March of 2011 the Firearms Division was transferred to the Ministry of Public Security. The Ministry will improve the coordination between the Firearms Division and the Israeli Police in an effort to reduce the number of weapons that are held without a license and to increase monitoring and control of all weapons in Israel.
- In early 2011 the Fire and Rescue Commission was transferred to the Ministry of Public Security. The Ministry is conducting a serious development program to upgrade the force in all aspects of its operation. This includes promoting legislation which will allow for a national, unified allignment; as well as equipping fire departments with additional gear and enlisting new members - some of which is already underway.
The Role of the Ministry of Public Security is to:
- Develop and promote a public security policy on a Ministerial and national level
- Instruct the authorities in line with the Minister's policy, and approve programs as needed
- Monitor and track all the authorities' operations
- Initiate, promote, plan and implement – both unilaterally as well as in cooperation with the authorities subject to it – programs, operations and changes that relate to public security
- Lead, coordinate and manage various programs and projects
- Oversee the staff work and the operations of the entities subject to the Minister, in coordination with government bodies
- Strengthen existing international relationships and partnerships, and create new international relationships and partnerships with other countries and parallel public security agencies