This article examines the three main models of ombudsman existing today, from most to least autonomous. It emphasizes how important it is for the ombudsman to be seen not only as a locus to criticize the police but also to defend it. To conclude, the article highlights the fragility of the institutional design of the Ombudsman of Pernambuco's Social Defense Secretary, which was created during the previous administration and maintained by the current government.
Ombudsman; Accountability; External control; Institutional autonomy; Institutional design