28 Greece Germany Complaints may be made in person, in writing or on-line using a standard form. Telephone complaints may also be accepted. National Ombudsman is competent to deal with complaints against the police. The Committee on Petitions of the Bundestag (Federal Parliament) deals with complaints against the Federal Police but again this does not amount to external, independent oversight. Regional Committees on Petitions are competent to deal with complaints against the police but these are not external oversight bodies. The federal structures mean that each ‘Lander’ maintains its own police force and structures. There is no external, independent oversight mechanism to deal with complaints against the police. The ombudsman aims to receive and investigate complaints made by individuals against abuses or capricious acts of public officials; report upon any findings; and help achieve equitable settlements through a non-judicial process. The Petitions Committee aims to establish the impact of legislation and make suggestions for amendment to the Bundestag to take action to address a particular concern. The Ombudsman investigates complaints of inefficiency, dishonesty and maladministration; suspected human rights violations against non-EU citizens; discrimination according to gender or age; abuses by police including refusing to take a police report, physical harm, violations of personal freedom etc. The courts and administrative authorities are bound to render administrative assistance to the Petitions Committee and members commissioned by it. To enable the Petitions Committee to prepare decisions on complaints the Federal Government and authorities are obligated to submit files, provide information and grant access to premises. The Ombudsman is constituted in law (Greek constitution 2001) As a mediator, the Greek Ombudsman makes recommendations and proposals to the public administration. The Ombudsman does not impose sanctions or annul illegal actions by the public administration. Under the Federal law every person has the right individually or jointly with others to address written requests or complaints to competent authorities and to the legislature.