2.6.4. Positive observations 2.6.4.1. Open detention at the Villach police detention centre Irrespective of the lack of electrical sockets in the inmate cells at the Villach police detention centre, the liberal handling of certain areas of life at this facility as compared to other police detention centres should be positively highlighted. There is open detention between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. This is noteworthy because detention in open detention stations is generally only provided for persons being detained pending forced return. However, for a substantial period of time, the Villach police detention centre has no longer been used for detention pending forced return, but mainly houses prisoners serving an administrative penalty. Liberal conditions of detention Moreover, after registration, detainees at the Villach police detention centre can use their mobile phones in the locked area and, if requested, they can shower every day. Liberal visiting hours are also customary at the Villach police detention centre. 2.6.5. System-related problem areas – police stations 2.6.5.1. Supervision and counselling for law enforcement officers In the course of its visits to police stations, the commission had conversations with employees regarding their personal stress situations in particular and the stress situation at the station in general. The topic of supervision and counselling as a structured reflection of professional activity in the sense of preventive psychological support was frequently addressed. The result of the conversations was that the offer of supervision and counselling is known in many cases, but is not used. Often peer support, i.e. the support of trained colleagues, is considered sufficient, particularly after stressful official operations. Supervision and counselling is often not accepted Some of the commissions were of the opinion that the NPM should propose that the Federal Ministry of the Interior require employees to use supervision and counselling. They mainly justified this by the argument that, in providing their services, public security officers must meet all of the requirements for action in conformity with human rights on a daily basis. Consideration should be given to the fact that unprocessed stress impacts future activities and can affect mental health, e.g. in the form of burn-out symptoms. Irritability or aggressiveness as a consequence of a lack of mental health can result in excessive actions with respect to persons being dealt with. Moreover, one can only speak of proper supervision and counselling if provided by a person who is outside and independent of the team. Peer support does not meet these requirements. However, it should be taken into account that supervision and counselling cannot be forced or ordered, since it requires readiness to cooperate. Therefore, the NPM asked the Human Rights Advisory 137