npm annual report 2016 / observations and recommendations Protection of privacy • The Deputy-Ombudsman pointed out that telephones intended for use by prisoners should be located so that telephone conversations in a normal voice cannot be overheard by others. (Turku and Pelso) Comment: Turku Prison has begun planning the construction of telephone booths. • At a prison admissions unit, both isolation cells had CCTV monitoring. (Turku) Attention was drawn to the fact that camera monitoring of prisoners’ cells is only allowed in the circumstances specified by law. If the preconditions are not met, a prisoner placed in a cell equipped with a camera must be told that the camera is not in use. For example, the camera may be covered. The Deputy-Ombudsman emphasised that prisoners’ toilet use should not be monitored by a camera even if the preconditions for camera monitoring are otherwise fulfilled. Isolation under observation is an exception to the rule, but even in such cases arrangements should be made to ensure at least limited privacy. Monitoring can take place, for example, through tinted glass or plexiglass that obscures visibility. Comment: • The prison reported that prisoners placed in isolation cells are not monitored unless there are grounds for it and that CCTV cameras are located in a way that prevents intimate areas from being visible to the control room when prisoners use the toilet. The Deputy-Ombudsman pointed out that prisoners’ should be able to send confidential messages to the outpatient clinic. (Turku) Comment: Turku prison reported that the outpatient clinic had promised to order pre-printed envelopes addressed to the unit for prisoners to send their forms to the health care unit. 31