correctional institution. This is to ensure an objective procedure based on randomness. This analysis is to be made once a week. Since traceable documentation is not only an important control instrument, but also makes an important contribution to quality assurance, a standardised form will be used for purposes of documentation. In addition, every correctional institution must maintain its own internal electronic documentation of the controls implemented in suitable form. Thus, the NPM’s demand that a standardised procedure for the control of random samples in accordance with Section 102a of the Penitentiary System Act was met by the maintenance of a registry of random samples.  Registry of random samples The NPM welcomes the introduction of a registry of random samples taken from detainees who are subjected to random testing, as was demanded in the last annual report. The challenge of language diversity – video interpretation pilot project in the Vienna-Josefstadt correctional institution Language diversity in correctional institutions doubtlessly presents a special challenge to prison administration. This is apparent, in particular, in correctional institutions such as Vienna-Josefstadt, in which more than 70% of the detainees are not Austrian citizens. The need for strategic solutions is therefore all the more urgent to eliminate communication problems. Language diversity as a special challenge The visits of the NPM in the past year have shown that sworn in interpreters are rarely called in when there are language problems with prisoners. The commissions observed cases in numerous facilities that indicate a lack of awareness that a qualified translator must be brought in, if needed. Many detainees from non-German-speaking countries complained that they had to rely on fellow prisoners to obtain information. No communication possible For example, neither the Stein correctional institution nor the ViennaJosefstadt correctional institution call for interpreters if there are communication difficulties during medical interventions or during the discussions of medical results. Moreover, trained interpreters are not available at administrative penalty proceedings or in matters of social support. The NPM stresses that language barriers may not be the reason for failure to provide medical information and health care. It advocates the introduction of video interpretation services. Likewise, trained interpreters should be used in administrative penalty proceedings to avoid any dependence on translation by fellow detainees or other complaints by detainees or by other third parties. NPM demands video interpretation services The NPM’s criticism was partially taken into account by the “video interpreting in correctional institutions” pilot project launched in November 2014. The project is an important step in dealing with language diversity. The goal was to simplify and professionalise communication with detainees who speak little or no German, “Video interpreting in correctional institutions” pilot project 97