CAT/C/LVA/CO/2 page 5 effectiveness and impact of such training/educational programmes on the reduction of cases of torture, violence and ill-treatment. Detention on remand, including pre-trial detention 10. While noting the new Criminal Procedure Law, which reduces the apprehension phase from 72 to 48 hours and introduces the system of an investigative judge who shall decide on the application of detention on remand, as well as reports that the duration of detention on remand has been reduced, the Committee remains concerned at reports of prolonged periods of detention on remand, including pre-trial detention, and the high risk of ill-treatment which it entails and regrets the lack of use of alternatives to imprisonment. While noting that the Law on the Procedure of Holding Detainees requires the procedure of holding criminal suspects in police short-term detention cells and sets standards for conditions of detention in these cells, the Committee is concerned at information that this does not apply to cells in small police stations where detainees can be held up to 12 hours (arts. 2, 11 and 16). The State party should take appropriate measures to further reduce the duration of detention in custody and detention before charges are brought, and develop and implement alternatives to deprivation of liberty, including probation, mediation, community service or suspended sentences. 11. The Committee notes a number of initiatives taken by the State party to improve the conditions of detention for persons under the age of 18 including in juvenile correctional facilities, such as the establishment of the Ministry of Children and Family Affairs and the State Children Rights Protection Inspectorate under its auspices to monitor the regime and conditions of juvenile detention, and the adoption of the Basic Policy Guidelines for the Enforcement of Prisons Sentences and Detention of Juveniles for 2007-2013. However, the Committee expresses its concern at reports that juveniles are often held in pre-trial detention for prolonged periods and at the high percentage of juveniles remanded in custody (arts. 2, 11 and 16). The State party should increase its efforts to bring its legislation and practice as regards the arrest and detention of juvenile offenders fully in line with internationally adopted principles, including by: a) Ensuring that deprivation of liberty, including pre-trial detention, should be the exception, to be used only as a last resort and for the shortest time possible; b) Developing and implementing alternatives to deprivation of liberty, including probation, mediation, community service or suspended sentences; c) Adopting an action plan based on the Basic Policy Guidelines for the Enforcement of Prisons Sentences and Detention of Juveniles for 2007-2013 and ensuring the necessary resources for its effective implementation and follow-up; and d) Taking further measures to improve the living conditions in detention facilities, elaborating more contemporary and modern programmes aimed at re-socialization, and ensuring training of prison personnel to raise their professional qualification in light of their work with juveniles.