Preventing Torture An Operational Guide for National Human Rights Institutions • consultation of registers • interviews with detainees in private • a final talk with the person in charge. 2.1.1. Initial talk with the person in charge The visit usually begins with an initial talk with the person in charge of the facility, or if s/he is not present, the person next in charge. This discussion is an important first step in establishing a constructive dialogue with the authorities and also provides an opportunity to: • introduce the mandate of the NHRI and the visiting team • explain the objectives of the visit • explain the working method for the visit, in particular the need to hold interviews in private with selected detainees • explain how information collected during the visit will be used • ask for recent and specific information • ask the person in charge of the facility for their opinion about the challenges they encounter in their work and possible solutions. Watch Go to the Preventing Torture CD-Rom to watch a role play that highlights good practice approaches when holding an initial conversation with the person in charge of a place of detention prior to conducting a preventive visit. Click on ‘Feature materials’ and then select ‘Item 12 – Role play: Initial conversation with person in charge of a place of detention’. 2.1.2. Tour of the premises After the initial talk, the visiting team should undertake a tour of the premises. A short introductory tour of the entire facility helps to provide a sense of the overall design and layout of the centre, as well as the location of different facilities used by the detainees. It also enables the visiting team to gain a first impression of the atmosphere of the place. Following the general tour, the visiting team can break into smaller groups to more thoroughly inspect specific areas of the centre, such as the kitchen, the infirmary, disciplinary cells, dormitories and sanitary facilities. 2.1.3. Consultation of registers One or more members of the team should consult the registers and other documents held on file. This consultation is best done at the beginning of the visit, as information obtained from the registers can be verified, if necessary, during the course of the visit and during interviews with detainees. There are a number of different registers kept in places of detention but, in the context of preventing torture and ill-treatment, registers of incidents and registers of disciplinary measures are of particular importance. Other documents – such as internal rules, staff lists and working schedules – are also important and provide an understanding of how the centre functions. 88 | Chapter 8: Monitoring places of detention