50 Russian Federation There are approximately 200 staff in the central office High Commissioner for Human Rights (Russian Ombudsman) – first elected in 1998 under federal constitutional law. There are now regional ombudsmen under the central office in all regions of the federation. The methods at the disposal of the office include – investigating complaints; monitoring practice by authorities; reporting and making suggestions on laws and practices; providing human rights education and cooperating constructively with domestic and international actors to encourage human rights has as its purpose the defence of individuals’ rights and freedoms in their relationship with the public authorities (including the police and wider criminal justice system) Constitutional Court on the unconstitutionality of laws, before their promulgation; present reports to the two Chambers of the Parliament, annually or upon request – these reports may contain recommendations for amending the legislation or other measures to protect the rights and freedoms of the citizens; present reports to the presidents of the two Chambers of the Parliament, or as the case may be, to the Prime Minister if during his/her inquiries they finds gaps in legislation or serious cases of corruption or violations of the country’s laws. Ombudsman does not have the right to make legal initiatives or ask opinions or interpretations on existing laws from the constitutional court Since 2004, individuals’ complaints regarding a possible violation of fundamental rights and freedoms by the Police bodies are examined and solved within a specialised department ‘Army, Justice, Police, Penitentiaries’, coordinated by a deputy Ombudsman. in their relationships with the public administrative authorities.