15 Albania Countries The PAO is elected by three-fifths of all members of the Assembly for a five-year period, with the right of reelection. The People's Advocate Ombudsman (PAO) of the Republic of Albania deals with complaints against police officers Structures Police Oversight in the Council of Europe The PAO advocates for the rule of law, reform of judiciary, and good governance The PAO defends the rights, freedom and lawful interests of individuals from unlawful or improper actions or failures to act of the organs of public administration. The role is to prevent abuses of, protect and promote human rights. Function Under the Government of Albania UN Programme of Cooperation 2012-2016, the people’s Advocate office was supported by the UNDP in:training, promoting partnerships and collaborations, for example with the The PAO is competent to investigate cases of complaint against police officers. It received 4,203 complaints during 2015. Of the 1409 complaints closed during 2015: 94 were outside competence 473 were ungrounded 51 had recommendations rejected 160 had recommendations accepted 510 were resolved in favour of citizens without further recommendation 51 were withdrawn Competence In cases when the PAO’s jurisdiction is limited, recommendations are made to the appropriate responsible bodies. The Institution of the People’s Advocates was established in 1998. The Albanian Parliament passed the Law on the People’s Advocate in February 1999. Legal basis/scope 2. Oversight mechanisms of the forty-seven member countries of the Council of Europe