32 THE GREEK OMBUDSMAN ⚫ DETENTION CELLS UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF THE HELLENIC POLICE AND THE PORT POLICE - HELLENIC COASTGUARD General annual findings The NPM’s visits to detention cells of Police Stations and Headquarters and to Prot Police - Coastguard detention cells, which were carried out almost completely with no prior notice, have once again highlighted the premises’ unsuitability for long term detention. The Ombudsman inspected cells designated solely for the administrative detention of aliens, operating as de facto pre-removal centres, which will be presented in detail in the relevant chapter on aliens’ administrative detention, as well as cells serving for holding both criminal and administrative detainees (Police Stations of Petroupoli, Samos, Kos, Chios, Ioannina, Igoumenitsa, Port Police of Igoumenitsa cells). • It was observed that criminal inmates were detained in the same space (cell) as administrative detainees. It was found, however, that administrative detainees remain under custody for a long time, while criminal detainees remain for shorter periods, as transferees for a court hearing or for court appearance in the procedure for offenders caught in the act. All facilities are small, with no yard access, except the detention cells in Chios Police Station, and lacking natural light and ventilation. Detainees remain constantly inside the cells, without access to any kind of activity. Despite efforts by the personnel and the detainees themselves, hygiene is poor, which further deteriorates the already adverse conditions due to limited space and long term detention. Lack of medical and nursing personnel makes handling of medical incidents particularly difficult, given the already complicated procedure required for transferring a detainee to a hospital. • Severe problems are observed regarding meals and dispensing sanitary products to alien administrative detainees, in conjunction with the long duration of their detention in these Stations. The amount allocated for each police station detainee is insufficient for covering all of their needs, as detainees bear all personal expenses, including food, coffee, snacks, shampoo, soap etc. • Personnel working and living areas are also consideredunsuitable for the staff and reflecting on the quality of their work. • Transfer Centres inspected by the NPM also face severe issues concerning their premises, insufficient natural lighting, ventilation and heating, as well as lack of yard space.