2.1.2. Ad-hoc visits The ad-hoc visits are mainly undertaken for checking the state of the implementation of the recommendations given at previous visits, preventing prosecution against the persons who have communicated some information to the NPM in this or another form, as well as investigating information given by interviewed detainees about the establishments they were previously held at and the information submitted to the NPG from the analysis of complaints addressed to the Commissioner, checking on the spot the information reported by mass media and that the NPG is interested in, and also on the Commissioner’s own initiative. 2.2. Conducting visits Ensuring the effectiveness of visits requires encompassing the three main stages. Thus the visits of the Azerbaijani NPM are conducted through the following stages: - Preparation for the visit; - Conducting the visit; - Post-visit activities. Preparation for the visit usually lasts up to two workdays and covers collecting necessary information, defining the purpose of the visit and establishment of a visiting group. During the collection of necessary information, the information obtained at the previous visits, as well as the information received from other sources, complaints addressed to the Commissioner, as well as the information obtained from mass media are analysed, and the legal framework regulating the operation of the establishment, and the relevant international standards are reviewed. The purposes of the visit are defined encompassing such issues as a general assessment of the condition and treatment, investigation of certain issues on condition and treatment (for example, execution of disciplinary punishments, quality of medical treatment), checking the cases revealed during the previous visits, the state of implementation of presented recommendations and suggestions, defining the issues to be paid special attention and other activities. During the establishment of a visiting group the composition of the group is formed considering number, profession, gender etc. The questionnaires for visit and interviews, templates for taking minutes of conversations with convicts, surveys etc. are prepared. Conduction of the visit encompasses a number of stages: First, there is held a preliminary talk with the management of the establishment. During such a conversation the group members introduce 12