the authorities explore other ways of making the detention experience more humane, possibly by employing staff qualified in making the weeks and months of detention a more active human experience than merely watching television, eating, playing cards and sleeping. 12. Recommendations As reported in previous Annual Reports, the Board of Visitors for Detained Persons has seen many improvements in the environment at the Safi Detention Centre. However, the investment made in training the personnel and refurbishing the detention centre requires regular monitoring and training of staff and a proper management of the facilities. On-going maintenance and proper organisation are as essential as the initial refurbishment of a capital nature. Such maintenance is best carried out when the number of detained persons is low, and Board members are pleased to note substantial works currently underway. The Board encounters members of staff the majority of whom are caring and who treat the detainees with care and respect. However, the Board is of the opinion that continuous training of personnel needs to be more comprehensive. The Board is aware that some members of staff have commenced training. Such training (whether initial and ongoing) of detention services staff should be more structured and on a more regular basis. This training needs to include basic communication skills, security and health issues and training in disciplinary methods. Members of the Detention Service need to be given the support necessary to fulfil their duties in terms of human rights legislation and internationally recognised standards. As noted in paragraph n, there may be a need for additional staff with skills other than merely of keeping guard and ensuring that detainees do not escape. The Regulations provide that the Board shall have, among others, the following functions: (a) to satisfy itself as to the ... state of detention centres premises and the adminish·ation of the detention centres; (b) to advise the Minister on any matter relating to the care of detainees, as well as to the organisation and improvement of the detention centres and the Detention Service, which the Minister may refer to it or any ancillary matter on which the Board deems it opportune to tender its advice to the Minister; and (c) to advise the Minister on matters relating to work and activity to be performed by detainees. Accordingly, the Board would like to make the following recommendations aimed at improving the quality of life of persons in detention and of the detention services: 9 ;..