Correctional institutions The Federal Ministry did not contest the NPM’s observations but rather admitted that most of the inmate cells at Göllersdorf correctional institution are occupied by two to four persons. Single cells are only available occasionally, and are mainly occupied by inmates who are disruptive or in need of great care. It is uncontested that placement in a single room during the night is desirable, and this is also required in the draft of the Detention of Mentally Ill Offenders Act (Maßnahmenvollzugsgesetz). In addition, it was confirmed that structural conditions are “suboptimal” and “in many respects do not constitute a modern and adequate therapeutic setting”. It was said that the level of care should compensate for the deficient material conditions and attempt to avoid hospitalisation and a deprivation syndrome. Care cannot compensate for the deficiencies The NPM does not deny that a therapeutic daily structure and therapy sessions held outside of the living areas are part of adequate treatment and care. However, these efforts cannot compensate for the deficient material conditions. In some inmate cells not every inmate has a chair. Some prisoners with mental health care needs store their belongings in suitcases under the bed. Lockable boxes are in the corridor. The inadequate living conditions are made worse by hygienic deficiencies. For example, one of the inmates in a cell for multiple inmates has a bucket beside his bed into which he spits frequently. Living out of a suitcase Not only are the sleeping and communal areas shabby and dirty, but the sanitary facilities are also inadequate. At one station, ten persons being held in detention shared one bathroom, which had four showers adjacent to each other with no partition. In another area, up to 19 inmates had to manage with one bathroom (consisting of two showers and three sinks). Extensive traces of old or inadequately treated fungal infestations can be seen in many places. There is a washing machine and a dryer in one small room with no natural fresh air supply. Even though the commission was shown a renovated ventilation system, the room was decidedly warm and humid on the day of the visit. Mould in showers and baths In general, the persons being held in detention are responsible for the daily cleaning of the living area. However, they need the support of the staff for this: the supervision and control of the cleaning work is the responsibility of the station staff. It is undeniable that they must often do a lot of motivational work to ensure reasonably proper cleaning. Hygienic deficits The outsourcing of cleaning work to an external company is opposed by the employee representatives. The NPM seriously doubts whether this makes economic sense. The question of outsourcing the cleaning work should be clarified within the context of a project. The NPM was assured that the local police station staff committees and the central committees will be included in the project. 105