MONITORING PLACES OF DETENTION : A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR NGOS 61 These last three registers can be particularly important when reconstructing the circumstances of and the different responsibilities for abusive behaviour toward persons deprived of their liberty. However, the authorities often refuse to let visitors consult precisely these registers. 4. VISITING THE PREMISES OF DETENTION FACILITIES During the first visit, it is particularly important to see all areas of the premises used by and for the detainees. This should be done with all the members of the team and with the person in charge of the place of detention, or an official able to give useful information about the layout of the premises and functioning of the services. Visiting the premises makes it possible to: ■ visualise the premises and their layout. The importance of this point must not be overlooked, as the architecture of the place of detention and the physical security arrangements (fences, confining walls, etc.) have a very direct influence on the daily life of those deprived of their liberty; ■ locate the detainees’ living quarters (cells, dormitories, courtyards, refectories, study and leisure areas, sports rooms and fields, workshops, etc.) as well as the various services and installations provided for them (kitchen, sick bay, sanitary installations, laundry, etc); ■ obtain a first impression of the atmosphere and mood in the place.