Visit no. 14-2014 Date: 2014.11.13 Location: Angra do Heroísmo Prison Facility (Autonomous Region of Azores) Subject: Quality and quantity of food. Entry into operation of the prison, in administrative terms, movement of prisoners and recruitment of personnel On November 13th a visit was conducted to the Angra do Heroísmo prison facility. The visit was intended to find out the food quality and the opening procedures in administrative terms and concerning the transfer of prisoners and guards. It should be noted that, although installed a few months ago, the prison features several structural problems. However, the transfer of inmates, guards and staff has been gradual, with cells occupied in about one-third of the prison capacity. The fact that the vast majority of inmates should come from the S. Miguel Island, which has a very crowded facility, means that the transfer to this prison from another facility of the archipelago will be done keeping the inmates from their families. That is susceptible of generating negative reactions. On the contrary, the transfer of inmates from prisons on the continent is well seen and intended. Also the fact that close to 60 percent of prison guards come from the mainland can cause some instability, even though the situation is neither new nor surprising. No problems were reported with regard to civilian personnel. The food was tasted by the Ombudsman, having revealed good quality and good presentation, both in relation to the main ingredients as for accompaniments. However, the Ombudsman considered that the soup, even featuring good quality in terms of taste and presentation, was too thin, and suggested that, in the future, it should be prepared thicker. Moreover, there has been compliance with specifications and preset menu. • Visit no. 15-2014 Date: 2014.11.13 Location: Public Security Police Headquarters Angra do Heroísmo, in the Autonomous Region of Azores Subject: Detention conditions in terms of lighting, insulation against cold or heat and aeration. Compliance with legal and regulatory standards of compulsory in-patient care. Working conditions of the police officers, in particular those displaced On November 13th a visit was conducted to the Angra do Heroísmo Police Station. 26 |