MONITORING PLACES OF DETENTION : A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR NGOS 112 When toilets are situated outside the living premises, it should be checked that they can be reached without delay. In places with a high concentration of persons deprived of their liberty, great strain is put on the sanitary installations. They therefore require permanent maintenance which must be provided for by the detaining authorities. 3 Reference points ■ Are there enough toilets and showers for the number of persons? ■ If there are no toilets inside the detention premises: ➤ How long must persons wait before being able to use the outside toilets? ■ How can people who are locked in satisfy their needs during the night? ➤ by asking the surveillance personnel; ➤ by using slop pails with lids? ■ How clean and hygienic are the sanitary installations?