it is virtually impossible to verify its content. The Federal Agency hence recommends recording these three principle rights in a short, easy-to-understand information sheet in a language which the persons taken into detention can understand. This information sheet can take as an orientation the established formats for measures in accordance with the Code of Criminal Procedure (StPO) which were forwarded to the Federal Agency. Detainees should confirm in writing that they have taken note of their rights and that the information sheet has been handed out to them. The Federal Agency found that the detention cells in both units did not have a two-way intercom. In the cells of the Federal Police Station in Dresden, the pressing of the alarm button indeed only sets off an optical signal. In this regard, the officers asked stated that the control centre was continually occupied and that the optical signal could thus be noticed at any time. Nonetheless, it was should be ensured that persons in police custody are always able to immediately contact the guards. To this end, for instance, the Federal Agency considers a two-way intercom, or at least an additional acoustic alarm signal, to be necessary. All inspected cells were adequately heated and ventilated. They however do not have windows or natural ventilation. The Federal Agency would like to stress that access to daylight and natural ventilation is regarded as necessary. The Federal Agency presumes that where it is foreseen that persons will stay for a longer period, they should be transferred to another detention facility with the appropriate resources. At least with new buildings, access to daylight and natural ventilation should be considered in the construction planning. Two of the rooms used for returns do not have mattresses. If these rooms are to be used for a longer period or overnight, the Federal Agency considers it to be necessary to provide mattresses here also. mation on their rights, at least orally. This is said to be translated by an interpreter, where needed, for persons who do not speak German. Additionally, corresponding forms were said to be handed out. An indication of the possibility of legal representation was contained in pocket cards/information sheets. Extensive information sheets were available for taking into custody in the case processing system of the Federal Police. The possibility to inform one’s choice of legal representative was ensured in each case. The emergency lawyers’ number was known to all units. The additional acoustic alarm signal for the alarm button of the detention cells is said to have now been implemented in the Federal Police Station in Dresden. New construction projects were said to incorporate a room arrangement containing the recommendations of the Federal Agency. The necessary implementation or (alternatively) a practicable alternative solution was implemented in individual cases where the building allowed. The detention facilities of the Federal Police were used exclusively for short-term accommodation. 32