MONITORING PLACES OF DETENTION : A PRACTICAL GUIDE 82 The length of the group talks should be fixed beforehand. It is a good idea to begin the discussion with an open question. The statements of those present can thus indicate what they see as the main problems (or those they dare to mention). On subsequent visits talk should be more guided, with the aim of obtaining information about the main points you have identified as being of concern. Where contradictory or questionable information is obtained, it can be double-checked during private talks, by your own empirical observations, and by consulting other sources. 4.4.3 Talks in private A talk in private is above all a meeting with a person who is living in an ab-normal situation (outside the norm of external society), that of deprivation of liberty. The person has a singular life story which cannot be reduced to the reasons why he or she is detained. This obvious fact is often overlooked in the generalising, and hence simplistic, attitudes both of officials, and sometimes external players. The choice of location for the talk is crucial, as it will influence the attitude of the person deprived of liberty. Any location which would be likely to equate the visitor with the staff in the eyes of the detainee, (for instance the administrative offices), should be avoided. The team should not feel obliged to conduct the interview in a place prepared by the authorities. The living quarters of the detainee – cell, dormitory, visiting room, courtyard, library are all possible locations. Visitors should try to identify a place which appears to be most secure from eavesdropping. The opinion of the person with whom the talk is to be held should be taken into account. In police stations the choice of location might be more limited. The talk in private must be held out of hearing of the officials, but it is not always possible to hold it out of their sight. Visitors should use their good sense.