CAT/OP/DEU/2 its preventive approach which involves identifying patterns and detecting systemic risks of torture and ill-treatment. Rather than seeking to investigate or resolve individual complaints, the NPM should advise detainees on how and to whom to address individual complaints and seek to ensure the effectiveness of complaints mechanisms as a means of prevention. Follow-up to visits 67. The SPT observed that, in their final meetings with those responsible for the places of deprivation of liberty, visiting teams did not remind the authorities that any form of intimidation or reprisals against persons deprived of their liberty constitutes a violation of the State Party’s obligation. 68. The SPT recommends that the NPM regularly reflect on the need to ensure protection of persons who provide information to the NPM from sanctions or reprisals through, inter alia, follow-up visits, contacts with family members, and by reminding those in authority that such behaviour will be reported and sanctioned. 69. The NPM should prepare and make public reports on the visits it conducts, without disclosing confidential information such as personal information concerning individuals deprived of their liberty.18 70. The SPT recommends that the reports should focus on prevention, identifying problems and proposing solutions in the form of recommendations. These recommendations must be concrete and well-grounded, should be directed towards developing preventive measures to deal with shortcomings in systems and practices, and should be practicable.19 71. Since recommendations to the responsible authorities following the visit currently remain confidential until their publication in the Annual Report, the NPM should develop a strategy for presenting its visit reports to the authorities for timely publication and distribution and for using them as a platform for dialogue.20 72. Pursuant to paragraph 36 of its Guidelines on national preventive mechanisms, the SPT recommends that the NPM set up procedures for regular follow up to its recommendations, with the relevant authorities and, insofar as possible, in conjunction with other relevant stakeholders. 73. The SPT hopes that its recent advisory visit and the present report will mark the commencement of a constructive dialogue with the NPM of Germany. 74. The SPT stands ready to assist the NPM, as far as it is able, in their common goal of prevention of torture and ill-treatment and by translating preventive commitments into practical reality. 18 19 20 12 CAT/OP/12/5, para. 36. CAT/OP/1, para. 20. CAT/OP/1, para. 21; CAT/OP/12/5, para. 38.