14 THE GREEK OMBUDSMAN 2. Prisons 2.a. General annual findings The reappearance of overcrowding lends new currency to the earlier proposal from the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM), which is that improvement of prison conditions requires a holistic approach to managing overcrowding. Taking isolated measures to decongest prisons is but one aspect of the actions the State needs to take in the criminal detention sector. In this direction, legislation must be passed to rationalise penalties, protect human dignity and reduce the length of sentences via the adoption of alternative measures. Clearly, of course, correctional issues cannot be resolved through legislation alone: the necessary resources and appropriate staff must also be made available. The quality of infrastructure and a full complement of human resources – along with provision of all necessary health and welfare services – should guarantee conditions of security and respect for human dignity during detention. Although the Administration has taken some positive initiatives, the lack of creative activities offered to prisoners and the failure to staff facilities adequately with permanent medical and nursing personnel, sociologists and psychologists are still major problems at most prisons. The report also reiterates that inactivity further exacerbates the already poor psychological state of prisoners. The organisation of seminars and workshops will help manage tensions and facilitate the smooth reintegration of prisoners.