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Welcome to the EuroPris Knowledge Management System. The table below shows questions and responses from European National Agencies. Select a question for more information or use the filters on the left to narrow down questions based on Agency or Category.
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Introduction:
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Control in cells during the night is only performed on special occations - e.g. medical reasons or serurity matters.
Does the control differ in single and multi-bed cells?The Danish Prison Service have a majority of single cells and only very few double-cells. The control need not differ, as the doors at night always is opned by two guards. Only inmates with unproblematic behaviour is placed in double cells.
Special Remarks or CommentsCells are not routinely opened during the night state so the question of control by staff should not arise (ie the control measures are the physical security of the cells themselves). However if there is an emergency (e.g. medical,, self-harm, or a fight) - which may be detected because the prisoner(s) in the cell themselves press their emergency cell bell, or, a Night Patrol member of staff observes sees through the observation panel in the cell door some such incident occurring – then the Night Orderly Officer (member of staff in charge of the jail at night) will summon staff to attend that cell and it will then be opened.
Does the control differ in single and multi-bed cells?The norm is to have three prison officers available before opening any cell. For a multi-occupancy cell you would seek to have more staff. In theory three staff would be needed for each prisoner who might have to be restrained. However for a dormitory of 6 prisoners you would not be able to get 18 prison officers at night so whether to enter the cell of not would be down to a dynamic risk assessment by the NOO eg if it was clear one prisoner was assaulting others who were not responding then it could be safe to enter with 3 staff. If just two were fighting and others keeping out of the way then it could be safe to enter with six staff. If all the prisoners were fighting then it might be deemed not safe to enter, or, staff might enter if they felt there was potentially life at risk but with their batons drawn. The exception to having multiple staff available before opening a cell door is if the Night Patrol considers in a single occupancy cell that there is an immediate risk to life (ie that the prisoner has self-harmed, usually by attempting to hang themselves). In such a case a Night Patrol may enter the cell (but to do so they have to open the sealed pouch they carry which contains a cell door key – they do not routinely have access to this ability to open cell doors). However this again is a matter of their personal judgment of the risk involved. There is no requirement on them to enter (and certainly they should first alert Control by radio or phone that they are entering a cell) and should be cautious due to the risk of being lured into a cell. Again an exception might be if the prisoner was already known to be at risk of self-harm and was therefore being monitored through the ACCT system.
Special Remarks or CommentsIn places of imprisonment from 10 pm to 6 am the lighting is not completely turned off, also cells and other rooms are provided with night lighting.
Does the control differ in single and multi-bed cells?No, prisoners are counted no less than once an hour, regardless of if it is single or multi bed cell.
Special Remarks or CommentsCustodial staff do not enter cells unless a severe incident calls for an immediate intervention. Up to 4 times during the night, staff members perform a visual check through a secured window in the cell doors
Does the control differ in single and multi-bed cells?No (multiple bed cells may have 2, 3 or max. 4 beds)
Special Remarks or CommentsThe daily controls of cells are unexpected controls. They can take place in any moment of the day. Two kinds of controls are used: -the ones done in the presence of the detainee(s) and is done in an open manner; -the ones that are done without the presence of the detainee(s).
Does the control differ in single and multi-bed cells?The controls don't differ and their exercise methods are the same even if the cell has one or more detainees.
Special Remarks or CommentsThe general rule is that after the prisoners are locked in at a set time in the evening, there are no controls during the night. Inmates can get in touch with prison staff by pressing a bell which is mounted in their cells. For inmates who are regarded as being in danger of committing suicide, harming themselves etc, other rules apply.
Does the control differ in single and multi-bed cells?No
Special Remarks or CommentsIn the prison system of the Republic of Croatia there are certian differences in a way of preforming surveillance over prisoners during night rest depending on a type of correctional instititution (level of security and limitation of freedom of moving of prisoners). It also depends on whether special measures of attending order and security, or disciplinary measure of solitary confinement is applied. Security officer is forbidden from entering the cell slonr in closed conditions. For that reason most of surveillance during the night is preformed by watching the situation in a cell through the peephole, or through small window at the door, with, or withaut turning the light in a cell (from outside). Frequency of surveillance depends on already mentiond reasons - if some of special measures of attending order and security or disciplinary measure is in order, surveillance is more frequent. Each control and surveillance must be noted in official registar at the working place of security officer.
Does the control differ in single and multi-bed cells?In general, there is no diffirence in the way of preforming surveillance between single and multiple bed cells.
Special Remarks or CommentsInmates and detainees are watched over a small window, night lights are on in the cells that do not disturb the night rest but ensure minimum control.
Does the control differ in single and multi-bed cells?No
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Prisoners are secured in their cells during the night period and prison staff will patrol in or near the accommodation areas dependent on the establishment. Most prisons have in cell power and sanitation therefore there is no need for them to leave the cell in these circumstances. In a small number of prisons, where in-cell sanitation does not exist prisoners can access toliets by using an in-cell call system where the cell can be unlocked electronically from the electronic control room. The prisoner has a 7 minute window to use the facilities and return to the room and the door is then secured electronically again. In an emergency all cells have an emergency call button through to the electronic control room who will answer and respond as appropriate.
Does the control differ in single and multi-bed cells?No the control mechanisms are the same whether single or mutli-bed cells.
Special Remarks or CommentsThis content is only available to registered members of EuroPris.
This content is only available to registered members of EuroPris.