Police stations 2.7 Police stations 2.7.1 Introduction The commissions visited 50 police stations in the year under review. As in previous years, the focus of these visiting delegations was on the proper documentation of measures that deprive liberty as well as the structure and furnishings of the stations and departments. 50 visits to police stations COVID-19 was an important issue for the NPM on visits to police stations too. The observations are summarised in chapter 2.7.2. Within the framework of monitoring priorities, the NPM concentrated in 2019 and 2020 on compliance with fire protection and the provision of contact opportunities for detainees in detention rooms. After an analysis of these topics, the NPM decided on two new monitoring priorities in the area of shortterm police detention for 2021: the proper documentation of detention in the detention book and barrier-free access in all police stations in Austria (see chapter 2.7.3). 2.7.2 Monitoring priorities COVID-19 prevention in police stations The commissions visited 20 police stations between January and 10 March 2020. Monitoring visits were not possible for a long time after that due to the first lockdown and the risk of infection. The commissions resumed their visiting activity after the curfews were eased at the beginning of May 2020. When talking to the officers, the delegations focussed on dealing with the pandemic in everyday police life. Just a few police stations complained about a lack of PPE and disinfectant as well as inadequate training at the beginning of the first lockdown. On the vast majority of their visits, the commissions praised the strict compliance with the hygiene regulations (maintaining distance, wearing a mask, installing disinfectant dispensers, temperature measurement). The plexiglass shields in Vösendorf police station ensured safe contact with the public. The commission commended that in the week of the visit to St. Johann in Tyrol police station on 11 December 2020 all of the law enforcement officers had routinely been tested with antigen tests. Lack of PPE at the beginning of the pandemic In order to keep the risk of infection for the officers in the stations low, the staff was divided into groups in all facilities. Sector patrols were no longer carried out by officers from other police stations. This prevented the spread of the infection beyond one group in Fürstenfeld police station. The commissions also considered it positive that no larger meetings were held. Strict shift planning to prevent contagion 154