Correctional institutions
staff) provides better orientation. This contributes to strengthening the
relationship of trust, which is necessary for treatment in the medical area. The
identification of employees by name – or at least by function – helps to create
a communication- and relationship-oriented organisational structure, which
is preferable to “anonymity” from a human rights perspective. It is part of the
relationship culture between the inmates and the employees of the institution.
NPM‘s recommendation
not implemented
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Unfortunately, the Federal Ministry did not follow the recommendation to
obtain visible tags for medical staff or the recommendation that prison guards
wear name tags.
Infirmary staff should wear a clearly visible tag stating their name or function.
2.5.6
Righ to privacy
The following chapter provides an overview of cases during the past year in
which the NPM voiced criticism in connection with the basic right to protection
of privacy.
2.5.6.1 Presence of media during raid - Stein and Graz-Karlau
correctional institutions
Police raid
In early 2016, the general directorate for prisons and detention ordered a
nationwide raid (targeted campaign). In the course of the raid, inmate cells,
workshops and workplaces were inspected, and body searches were conducted
on inmates (with full disrobement).
Presence of reporters
and photographers
The NPM found that representatives of two of the print media, including
photographers, were present during a raid on the Stein and Graz-Karlau
correctional institutions. At the Stein correctional institution, they
photographed workshops and inmate cells while the officers searched them.
Items seized were photographed. At the Graz-Karlau correctional institution,
photos were taken of the inmate cells and common areas of the institution
(e.g. corridors, inmate cell doors, windows).
Inappropriate
infringement on right
to privacy
The NPM complained that the inmates’ right to privacy was infringed because
official actions, such as searches of inmate cells and body searches, were
observed and photographed by third parties. The public’s need to know is
satisfied if the prison administration informs representatives of the media
of the results of the official action and the items found. It is not permissible
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