HELLENIC POLICE AND COAST GUARD DETENTION FACILITIES On the day of the inspection, five persons, who were treated for infectious diseases, were held in the five-person cell whereas the rest of the third-country nationals were crowded in the second cell. During our inspection, almost everyone was lying on mattresses on the floor and there was no space left. The officers argued that almost always the number of the detained third-country nationals surpassed the department's twelve-person capacity. When cells did not suffice, detainees were usually forced to sleep on the hallway and officers were forced to walk around them in order to reach their office. In conclusion, despite piecemeal improvements and the determination of the local police officers to find solutions, systemic and important issues persisted. Infrastructure was completely unfit for long-term detention and there was lack of key services such as interpretation, provision of bedding, preventive medical check ups upon the detainees' arrival. On the day of the inspection in the Kordelio department, we found nine adult detainees, including seven men and two women. The department was used as a short-time detention facility. Detainees were usually not held more than one day until a decision was issued that either ordered the continuance or lift of their detention. The detainees remained locked in the detention facility, where there was a toilet and shower available but no yard area. Detainees were sleeping on mattresses on the floor; they were given blankets but were forced to buy their own personal hygiene products. There was no medical staff present and in case of medical emergencies detainees were transferred to the local community health center. The Agios Athanasios department had two cells of five-person capacity and one hallway. Each cell had a toilet and a shower. There was no yard area. The space that was initially used as the deputy chief's office had been reconstructed for the temporary accommodation of mothers and children. On the day of the inspection, 17 male detainees were held. We identified the usual problems despite improvements and good intentions on the part of the personnel. 43