3. Prisons and security detention »»»»»»» 3. Prisons and security detention Visits to security detention At the turn of 2017/2018, we visited both institutions for security detention of mentally deranged offenders. During our visits, we examined the therapeutic programmes and availability of healthcare; internal security regime including the use of coercive means; daily activities; regime measures; possibilities for contact with the outside world; and availability and use of the reasons for continuing detention. In 2018, we conducted a visit in the facility in Brno, and also assessed all our findings and prepared a discussion with experts in the area of security detention, which took place in February 2019. Summary report Report on visit to the facility in Opava Report on visit to the facility in Brno 1 + 1 visit remand prison security detention institution Main findings: ―― The environment in the institutions is not sufficiently distinguishable from a prison environment. The premises are austere and lack provisions for privacy. Standard-issue clothes are worn because the inmates are unable to ensure washing of their own clothes. Possibilities of access to outdoor exercise should be expanded. ―― Treatment provided to inmates was satisfactory, but its scope was limited. Especially due to insufficient staffing, the inmates did not have enough activities available in the afternoon and on weekends. ―― Even when taking part in all offered activities, the inmates nevertheless spent approximately 16 hours a day (20 hours on weekends) in their cells. ―― Practically all contact between specialist and medical staff and the inmates was conducted from behind bars, both in individual and group therapy sessions. Did you know that security detention... ... has been a part of the Czech legal system since 2009, i.e. for 10 years? It is the strictest possible protective measure applicable. Courts use it in cases of mentally ill offenders who present a serious danger to society and where forensic treatment would not sufficiently meet this purpose. Security detention facilities combine features of a prison and a psychiatric hospital. Inmates are guarded by the Prison Service and are offered therapeutic, psychological, educational, rehabilitation and activity programmes. Isolation in the detention facilities is not time-limited, but is subject to a review in 12 month intervals (6 months in the case of juveniles) where the court examines whether the reasons for detention continue. 14