MONITORING PLACES OF DETENTION : A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR NGOS 62 While all the premises should be seen, some should have absolute priority, as they can serve as a measure of the level of respect accorded to persons deprived of their freedom. These are: ■ the isolation cells and disciplinary cells; ■ the sanitary installations; ■ the other cells and the dormitories. 5. INTERVIEWS WITH PERSONS DEPRIVED OF THEIR LIBERTY Talking with persons deprived of their liberty forms the basis of the process of documenting the conditions of detention. At the start of each talk, whether in a group or in private, the members of the visiting team should introduce themselves together with the NGO and explain clearly why they are there and how they will use any information collected. It is strongly recommended that the NGO make a chart for the talks in groups and for those with individuals. Comments or questions should not be formulated in a manner which could limit or influence how the person responds to them. 5.1. Group talk This type of talk can be held in places where persons are held for a certain length of time, such as prisons or holding centres, and when the security regime permits. Group talks make it possible to obtain general information about the material aspects of and activities during detention. Persons deprived of their liberty rarely form a homogenous community, and it is therefore not advisable to discuss more sensitive questions such as relations with the staff or disciplinary questions in a group.