The Israeli police clarified this morning (Sunday) its position on the issue of political expressions among police volunteers. "They are not allowed to express their position while on duty."
According to the police statement: "In recent days, numerous publications have been circulating regarding the guidance of the Operations Division for the activities of police volunteers during protests. Against the backdrop of various publications, we wish to clarify that a police volunteer is a citizen who volunteers to assist in police activities. In the course of their activities, volunteers are often required to wear uniforms and/or identification means that represent the Israel Police and the law enforcement system.
"It should be noted that the police do not restrict their volunteers from expressing their opinions on any subject, including matters related to protests taking place in the State of Israel."
The police: "Political opinions should not be expressed when entering the position"
"However, with the volunteer's entry into the position, they assume the status of a police officer, which includes granting permission to use various authorities. Therefore, they are not allowed to express any political stance or opinion, whether during their duty or during an interview with the media."
As reported earlier this month, the police disclosed its data regarding the issue of refusal to volunteer in the context of the judicial reform: "Contrary to false publications and following your inquiries: The Israeli Police has received a total of 54 requests from volunteers to freeze their volunteering with the police. In addition, the Israel Police cut the volunteer positions of 10 volunteers who identified themselves as police volunteers when they expressed themselves politically and even made use of their volunteering for the benefit of this activity."
Furthermore, they added: "The current number stands at 64 volunteers out of a system of about 24,600 volunteers – or in other words, 0.2% of the system. The Israeli Police employs 24,600 volunteers who view their volunteering as a mission and work shoulder to shoulder with Israeli police officers in various tasks for the benefit and security of the public." The police statement also said: "The Israeli Police would be pleased to see all volunteers who are willing to serve in voluntary roles within the police ranks."