disorder, a psychiatrist must be brought in, according to an instruction of the medical superintendent. Since, in practice, the necessary medical specialists are not available on short notice at some locations, the expertise of a clinical psychologist should be sought in such cases. The review and consideration of (external) medical documents in connection with the evaluation of mental symptoms is also essential. The CPT has always emphasised that treatment by a medical specialist, if necessary, is part of standard medical care. However, it has become apparent that, despite the efforts of the Federal Ministry of the Interior, outside of Vienna, psychiatrists are not always available to care for detainees in police detention centres. If treatment by a medical specialist is not possible in a police detention centre, the Federal Ministry of the Interior must ensure that the detainee receives the necessary care of a medical specialist through out-patient models in psychiatric wards. The practice observed by the commissions – i.e. placing prisoners in specially secured cells and ordering their transfer to another police detention centre where psychiatric care is available – does not, in the opinion of the NPM, meet the requirements of prompt and appropriate medical care. Access to treatment by medical specialists Irrespective of the planned transfer of detained persons to other police detention centres, the placement of inebriated, substance-impaired, mentally ill persons and persons who are a danger to themselves into specially secured cells constitutes a potential risk to such persons (see Item 2.6.2.2 regarding the working group on suicide prevention). Therefore, within the framework of the working group on suicide prevention, experts of the NPM – together with the Federal Ministry of the Interior – should develop a practice guideline, which gives adequate consideration to the provision of health care to these persons, and criteria for their transfer to specialised clinics if medically necessary. Security cells The NPM concerned itself with the question of what happens to detainees who are found to be unfit to undergo detention due to severe somatic and/or mental problems. The former Human Rights Advisory Board at the Federal Ministry of the Interior has recommended “that a concept be developed which would include care facilities and hospitals, to ensure that persons found to be unfit to undergo detention are not released into the streets without care or held in continued custody due to a lack of alternatives, but can be provided with proper medical, psychiatric or social care on a case-bycase basis” (Recommendation No. 213/51). Care after release from detention The Federal Ministry of the Interior added that detention should be promptly ended after a finding is made that the person is unfit to undergo detention. If the requirements of the Hospitalisation of Mentally Ill Persons Act are met, the person can be involuntarily committed. If the requirements of the Hospitalisation Act are not met, the police physician should inform the person of any additional medical measures and possibilities. However, the Federal Ministry of the Interior will no longer be responsible for implementation. 130