TOPICS 3 – ENQUIRIES BY INDIVIDUALS In the period under review the National Agency received individual enquires regarding 43 separate cases, although some of these did not refer to places of detention. The remaining enquiries referred exclusively to facilities which fall within the Joint Commission’s area of responsibility. Half of the individual enquiries referred to prisons, the other half to psychiatric hospitals or facilities implementing measures of reform and prevention. Since the National Agency does not operate as an ombuds institution, it is not authorised to remedy or offer legal advice regarding individual enquiries. Reference is explicitly made to this fact in the replies sent to those submitting enquiries and on the National Agency’s website. Nevertheless, information regarding concrete incidents are of great practical relevance for the work of the National Agency. It provides background information for inspection visits and can draw attention to specific problems. In addition, concrete information and tips can have an influence on which facilities the National Agency visits and on the priorities set during the visit as a result. Where an enquiry provides indications of serious problems, the National Agency will, with the consent of the person submitting the enquiry, contact the competent authority. In one case this led to someone being examined by the prison doctor a second time to establish whether he was fit to be detained. Where an enquiry indicates that there is a risk of suicide or that someone is a danger to others, the National Agency will also contact the head of the facility in question. 29