Places of short-Term Deprivation of Liberty
to house juveniles and persons in a state of anxiety. Cell sizes were observed to
meet the criteria indicated in paragraph 49 above.
124. The condition of the cells as regards ventilation and temperature was
Ventilation & temperature
satisfactory. There were centralised air conditioning and heating systems. It
are satisfactory
would be advisable for technical improvements to be made so that the
temperature inside the cells is suitable for persons at rest or with little mobility,
while elsewhere — especially in the common areas where the guards are
stationed — it can be set differently. Holding areas are cleaned daily and
disinfected at regular intervals or whenever circumstances make it advisable.
125. Most establishments visited were lit with artificial light only, but it can
Lighting satisfactory
be considered as satisfactory, especially in view of the short holding times
although artificial only
reported here. Each cell has a dimmer switch that can be adjusted by the
guards, though no formal criteria were observed concerning lighting levels at
different hours.
126. CCTV cameras are installed in the corridors, in the interrogation room, at
Recordings are made
the entrance to the cells and at the entrance from the parking areas. The recordings
and generally held for
made are generally held for 7 days. Images can be viewed from the control room
7 days
at each facility. The officers stationed there are in direct communication with
those on guard in the holding areas.
127. In regard to fire-fighting and other emergency systems in holding areas,
Extinguishers, alarm
most of the establishments visited were observed to have extinguishers, alarm
buttons, smoke detectors
buttons, smoke detectors and emergency exits. Evacuation plans were also
observed to be in place. Cells are not fitted with mixed or mechanical opening
and emergency exits were
observed
systems.
128. Detainees have direct voice communication with the officers guarding
Detainees have direct voice
them, as when there is a detainee in the holding area there is always at least one
communication with
officer stationed there, who must patrol the adjacent corridor. When there are
guards
female detainees, female officers are assigned to the holding area.
129. No medical examination is carried out on admission, though detainees
No medical examination is
can request one if they wish. In general medical assistance protocols are activated
conducted at the time of
when a request is made by the detainee. The officer in charge of the holding
admission
area assesses whether the detainee should be moved to the appropriate medical
facility or other actions should be taken. The usual process is for detainees to be
transferred to a hospital. During the inspection visits it was reported that each
detainee was asked on admission to the holding area about his/her health
background, and that the information provided was included in the detainee
custody log. It would be useful for this report to be made in writing and signed
by the interested parties.
THE OMBUDSMAN OF SPAIN
77
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