36 THE GREEK OMBUDSMAN 5.10.2017 and the most recent one on 17.10.2017. The total capacity of the Department is eighteen (18) persons. The cell area is on the ground floor of the Police Headquarters and comprises of a small corridor and three cells in a “Γ” formation, of which one is used for detention of women and vulnerable groups. The cells have built-in beds. The two cells designated for male detainees have a capacity of seven (7) and five (5) persons respectively, while the third cell used for women has a capacity of six (6) persons. The two cells for men have doors with bars, covered by a metallic mesh up to a height of approximately 1.60 m, so direct visual contact with the guard is impossible for someone not tall enough. The cells are small with very little free space, so that there can be no chairs or tables. As a result, during daytime, detainees have to either stand or lay down. There is insufficient natural light and ventilation. Each room has only one small window placed high near the ceiling. Two of the rooms have one toilet with a shower each. The third room does not have a toilet. When female detainees wish to use the toilet, the men cell is locked, so that there is free access to the toilet. We were informed that there is hot water supply and detainees did not express any complaint thereof. A small air conditioning unit is used for heating and does not appear to be adequate. The detainees present at the time of inspection had no experience of extreme heat or cold at the space, due to the time of the visit. No sanitary products are provided by the Department. The space is not sufficiently clean. Part of the detainees complained strongly about food quality and asked that they are given the sum allocated so that they buy their meals themselves. The detainees have no yard time. However, there is a yard, used only occasionally, for persons remaining in custody for long. The Department has no medication supply, except for tablets, bought by Police Officers at their own expense. Medical incidents are transferred to the Hospital. Discussion with the staff has revealed shortages of personnel, equipment and items such as toilet paper and soap. The staff’s challenges in cases of protective custody were also highlighted. In such cases, persons out of control due to drug use or alcohol consumption have to remain in custody overnight for the sake of their own or other’s safety. In some cases, they remain handcuffed. In conclusion: Detention conditions are highly unsuitable because of the state of the premises. Detention should not last more than a short period of a few days.