Enforce a three-point notification system: notice of reason for detention (immediate);
notice of charges (prompt); notice of rights of detainee (twice: concurrent with notice
of reasons and again with notice of charges).
In making assignments, arrange to have officers supervising detainees independent
from arresting officers and investigating officers.
Meet periodically with the prosecutor, a judge, police investigators and social workers
to assist in identifying persons for whom detention is no longer necessary.
Assign female staff to guard, search and supervise female detainees. Prohibit the entry
into female sections of male staff, except in emergencies.
Assign a special room, separate from family visit areas, for detainees to meet privately with legal counsel.
Arrange a meeting area for normal face-to-face visits, with a grill, table or similar
divider between visitor and detainee.
Strongly prohibit, immediately investigate and severely punish, including through initiation of criminal action, every act of torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment
or punishment.
Provide for meals, meeting basic dietary needs, at regular times, with no more than 15
hours between morning and evening meals.
Assign at least one officer to be on duty at all times with training in psychological care
and counselling, including suicide prevention.
Assess all detainees, upon entry, for signs of illness, injury, alcohol or drug intoxication, and mental illness.
Handle minor matters of discipline discreetly and routinely. Handle more serious matters with pre-established procedures, the existence of which have been explained to all
detainees upon entry.
Officers in detention areas should not carry firearms, except when transporting
detainees outside the facility.
Train all officers assigned to detention areas in non-lethal control methods, and in riot
control techniques and equipment use.
Require all detention officers to wear clearly visible identity badges to facilitate accurate reporting of violations.
Establish a positive relationship with the International Committee of the Red Cross
(ICRC) and other such organizations.
Establish and inform staff of a range of penalties for violations, ranging, as appropriate, from suspension, pay-docking and termination to criminal prosecution for serious
violations.
Questions
1. You have arrested a man who has concealed a bomb somewhere in a city centre.
It is due to explode within one hour and he will not tell you where it is. Are you
justified in torturing him to make him disclose its whereabouts?
2. In what ways can the training of law enforcement officials take full account of the
prohibition on torture as required by international standards?
3. Why is it important for accused persons to be segregated from convicted persons
and given separate treatment?
4. Why is it important to divert juvenile offenders from the criminal justice system,
as required by the Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile
Justice?
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