Long-term deprivation of liberty Closed regime 64. According to NPM’s opinion, gathered in its 2014 Annual Report, a “closed regime” involves the application of maximum security criteria, representing the most restrictive lifestyle foreseen in prison regulations, which is why it should only be applied exceptionally and for the minimum time necessary. During 2016, the NPM has paid special attention to living conditions in closed regime wards in 4 of the CPs visited: CP Dueñas (Palencia), CP León, CP Zuera (Zaragoza) and CP Teixeiro (A Coruña). At these CPs, our visit particularly focused on inspecting these wards, interviewing most of the resident inmates as well as the public officers providing service there. During 2017 we expect to continue gathering data on the matter. The following conclusions may be advanced, based on our results: 65. Generally speaking, the visited prisons indicated a low rate of application of the Specific Programme for Intervention in a Closed Regime (PIRC), with limited or even nil activities, the absence of updated data in the Individualised Treatment Programme (PIT) or initial valuation files or progress evaluation. A vast majority of the inmates interviewed did not know what the Programme was or had been informed about the possibility of participating in it. 66. In these departments, in addition to a limited range of activities, it was also common to find scarce therapeutic or rehabilitation assistance and little schooling. 67. The public officers working in this type of ward do not receive specific continuous training on the special characteristics of this closed regime. 68. Doctor’s visits in these departments are occasionally held outside the cell, through the barred door, preventing direct contact with the inmate, in breach of the right to privacy and doctor-patient confidentiality. The Administration should guarantee that all doctors are able to provide healthcare in adequate security conditions, upholding inmate rights. 69. The facilities accommodating these inmates are usually more restrictive. Thus, cells are only fitted with minimum components and windows often look onto the lightwell. Walking courtyards are usually made of cement, with no plants or facilities to play sports and without roofed areas to take shelter in bad weather. We should remember that courtyard outings are limited to a few hours each day. 67