INVOLUNTARY PSYCHIATRIC TREATMENT competent authorities, the arrangement of wards around the long hallway did not allow satisfactory surveillance. Due to the reported lack of funds, the only available activity for voluntary psychiatric treatment patients was the occasional walk with an ergotherapist. Difficult cases were usually mechanically restrained (belt) as the nurses were not trained to handle crises and could not use physical restraint as required by CPT standards. In practice, the clinic called the police officers inside the premises in order to assist to the restraint. In fact, even in cases of involuntary psychiatric treatment, police officers entered the clinic armed despite contrary recommendations. The restraint took place following a written order from the clinic psychiatrist that was enlisted in a general book without mention of its duration. Furthermore, any temporary interruptions were not recorded in the individual records of restraint, including the measurement of vital signs. 59