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1. What is an ombudsman?

An ombudsman is a designated neutral or impartial dispute resolution practitioner who provides confidential and informal assistance to his/her constituents.

2. What skills does it take to be an ombudsman?

An effective ombudsman must:
- Have skills in communicating effectively
- Have the ability to work with all segments of the community
- Know the policies and procedures in which the government functions
- Posses the ability to be creative in developing resolutions that are fundamentally fair to all

3. What does an ombudsman office do?

An ombudsman office provides impartial complaint handling services for citizens who have disputes against government agencies or officials. The office will investigate valid complaints and if justified makes recommendations to remedy the complaint.

4. Who can I file a complaint against?

Any citizen can file a complaint against any County officer, board member, legislator or employee.

5. Is there a fee for this service?

The office is available to all citizens without a fee. However, a 10-center per page fee is charged for the copying of files or documents.

6. What can’t the office provide? Can the office get monies owed to me?

The Ethics, Human Relations and Citizen Complaints Department cannot by its own authority revise any administrative or legislative decision.

The EHRCC cannot recommend or obtain money for citizens. If a citizen is seeking monetary gains, he/she will be directed to the judicial system where such matters are handled. The EHRCC office does not intervene in criminal or civil court matters.

The mission of the EHRCC is to secure and protect the individual rights of citizens of Jackson County:
- By reconciling problems, issues and tension between government and citizens
- Promoting justice and improving human relations
- Improving the quality of government administration