• Are weapons & ammo kept securely? • Thumb-cuffs & thumb screws. • Are use of force records submitted internally, and incidents and records referred to external bodies as necessary? • How often is training reviewed? • Do officers have regular refresher training? • Is the content of training in line with international standards? • In their experience, how often do officers carry weapons and use force? • Was medical aid given promptly (where necessary)? • What were the circumstances, as they can recall them? Can they recall any features of the weapons or restraints used? • Does training cover ethics, human rights, negotiating skills, and alternatives to using force? • Are regulations in keeping with international standards? • Have detainees experienced or witnessed use of force by officials on detainees? • Are weapons issued only to officers trained and tested in their use? • Are there regulations for each type of weapon & restraint? Do they set out when they may be carried, used & by whom, and prohibit equipment not listed therein? Speaking to detainees • Look at all sides, top & bottom. • Size, shapes & notable features. • Colours. • Dates. • Writing, markings, logos. ii) Examine weapons & ammo. for: • Are weapons routinely issued? At the training centre • Carrying weapons in places where juveniles are detained. • Whips. • Spiked batons and shields. • Body worn electric-shock devices. • Restraint chairs, shackle boards or shackle beds, if not fitted with straps or belts. • Cage beds & net beds. • Restraints fixed to wall or floor. • Is there an up-to-date register detailing issuing of weapons? • Is the ammunition (ammo) in date? • Leg restraints with a fixed bar. • Finger cuffs & finger screws. i) Examine procedural issues: • Weighted restraints. At the armoury At the office A Pocket Guide for detention monitors and torture prevention bodies. Monitoring weapons & restraints Look out for inappropriate items • Are they aware they need to document their use of force? Are there indications they do this? • Do they have an adequate understanding of human rights? Do they feel they are trained and given skills to help them avoid using force? • Does staff understanding of when they may use weapons and restraints accord with international standards? • What weapons and restraints are staff issued with? Under which circumstances and how regularly? Speaking to staff • Is this equipment visibly carried, or concealed? • Note and photograph (where possible) key features of any weapons, restraints and ammunition you see. • Observe which weapons staff are carrying, if any. Observe who and which shifts are carrying them and if there are exceptional circumstances that might justify this. • Look out for prohibited or inappropriate items. Touring the Premises