reasonable public scrutiny and when the local community is encouraged to become involved in the activities of the prison. ■ A checklist which might be used by independent prison inspectors is contained in annex II to this Manual. TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION A prison inspector makes a report on a prison with numerous criticisms, some of which, such as overcrowding, are outside the control of the prison director. The media publish very negative accounts of the prison. How is the prison director to maintain staff morale? What further steps might the director take? Under what circumstances might a prison director actively seek an independent inspection? Are there any circumstances in which an independent inspection is likely to be unhelpful? CASE STUDY The international instruments require that there should be experienced prison inspectors who report to a competent authority separate from the prison administration. Describe how such an arrangement might be set up. 139