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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: Prevention of self-harm and the behaviour of harm to someone else in crisis and aggression periods of inmates due to various reasons in prisons is the responsibility of prison administrations. It's very important to protect the right to live and physical and mental health of inmates. In this sense to enhance their practice regarding the instruments of restraint specific to the rooms, Directorate of Prisons and Detention Houses Turkey would like to benefit from the good practices of other countries."
We have the possibilty of aisolation and other retrictive measures that are specific regulated and need judicial supervision.
Is keeping inmates for a period of time in rooms that are made of soft materials to prevent self-harm included among instruments of restraint?We don't have this type of rooms.
What are the conditions and the procedure of using the rooms that are made of soft materials? How long is the maximum period of time for using it for an inmate? What measures are taken in order to prevent the risk of suicide of an inmate in this room ? Are there toilets in these rooms that are made of soft materials? Are the rooms being watched by cameras? Or are there any other arrangements in these rooms? Is there a recording system for the inmates who are kept in these rooms ?As 1
What are the conditions and the procedure of using the rooms that are made of soft materials? How long is the maximum period of time for using it for an inmate? What measures are taken in order to prevent the risk of suicide of an inmate in this room ?As 1
Are there toilets in these rooms that are made of soft materials? Are the rooms being watched by cameras? Or are there any other arrangements in these rooms?As 1
Is there a recording system for the inmates who are kept in these rooms ?As 1
A prisoner can be placed in an observation cell if special observation is required. This can be done in order to prevent self-harm or disruptive or violent behaviour. It must be considered to request a doctor to attend the inmate A prisoner can also be confined in a security cell and be immobilised by force by the application of a body belt, wrist and ankle straps and mittens, if necessary, to avert imminent violence or overcome violent resistance, or to prevent suicide or self-mutilation. No confinement in a security cell and forced immobilisation may be effected if such a measure would be disproportionate in view of the purpose of the measure and the indignity and discomfort which might be caused by it. Moreover, any confinement in a security cell and forced immobilisation must be effected with as much consideration as circumstances permit. The Law also states that the prison shall promptly request a doctor to attend the inmate. Keeping an inmate in an observation or security cell should be as short time as possible, but there is no time limit as such.
Is keeping inmates for a period of time in rooms that are made of soft materials to prevent self-harm included among instruments of restraint?No
What are the conditions and the procedure of using the rooms that are made of soft materials? How long is the maximum period of time for using it for an inmate? What measures are taken in order to prevent the risk of suicide of an inmate in this room ?Not possible to answer, see the answer above.
Are there toilets in these rooms that are made of soft materials? Are the rooms being watched by cameras? Or are there any other arrangements in these rooms?Toilets are not made of soft materials. The rooms are being watched by the prison staff through a window, every 15 minuttes as regards security cells, every half an hour as regards observation cells.
Is there a recording system for the inmates who are kept in these rooms ?No
Within the Northern Ireland Prison Service any sort of restraint is used as a last resort. We have introduced a person-centred model of support for people who are at risk of suicide or serious self-harm. As part of the consideration, some individuals may be housed in an observation cell under constant camera observations. Such a decision is kept under constant review. For those who may use a ligature, safer clothing and bedding can be used. Fast wraps may be used for individuals who pose a significant risk to themselves, however, are seldom used.
Is keeping inmates for a period of time in rooms that are made of soft materials to prevent self-harm included among instruments of restraint?We have “safer cells”, but they are not made of soft materials.
What are the conditions and the procedure of using the rooms that are made of soft materials? How long is the maximum period of time for using it for an inmate? What measures are taken in order to prevent the risk of suicide of an inmate in this room ?Under our procedures, any decision to keep someone in a Safer/Observation cell must be reviewed on a daily basis. There is no limit on the length of time, but a decision to keep someone in that accommodation must be fully justified.
Are there toilets in these rooms that are made of soft materials? Are the rooms being watched by cameras? Or are there any other arrangements in these rooms?4. Are there toilets in these rooms that are made of soft materials? Yes Are the rooms being watched by cameras? Cameras are available, but not always used, depending on the needs of the individual. Or are there any other arrangements in these rooms? A care plan will be put in place for anyone who needs to be in Safer Accommodation – the care plan is aimed at addressing what has caused the distress or crisis as well as supporting the person through it.
Is there a recording system for the inmates who are kept in these rooms ?Camera observations are recorded. An electronic log is completed for other interactions by staff.
Within the Northern Ireland Prison Service any sort of restraint is used as a last resort. We have introduced a person-centred model of support for people who are at risk of suicide or serious self-harm. As part of the consideration, some individuals may be housed in an observation cell under constant camera observations. Such a decision is kept under constant review. For those who may use a ligature, safer clothing and bedding can be used. Fast wraps may be used for individuals who pose a significant risk to themselves, however, are seldom used.
Is keeping inmates for a period of time in rooms that are made of soft materials to prevent self-harm included among instruments of restraint?We have “safer cells”, but they are not made of soft materials.
What are the conditions and the procedure of using the rooms that are made of soft materials? How long is the maximum period of time for using it for an inmate? What measures are taken in order to prevent the risk of suicide of an inmate in this room ?Under our procedures, any decision to keep someone in a Safer/Observation cell must be reviewed on a daily basis. There is no limit on the length of time, but a decision to keep someone in that accommodation must be fully justified.
Are there toilets in these rooms that are made of soft materials? Are the rooms being watched by cameras? Or are there any other arrangements in these rooms?Yes. Cameras are available, but not always used, depending on the needs of the individual. A care plan will be put in place for anyone who needs to be in Safer Accommodation – the care plan is aimed at addressing what has caused the distress or crisis as well as supporting the person through it.
Is there a recording system for the inmates who are kept in these rooms ?Camera observations are recorded. An electronic log is completed for other interactions by staff.
The instruments of restraint are handcuffs and immobilization. Immobilization is the last resort and used to protect staff and other persons, in case of suicide attempt or self-harm, to calm down an aggressive inmate. Immobilization can be used for up to 4 hrs, the status of an immobilized inmate being checked every 30 mins.
Is keeping inmates for a period of time in rooms that are made of soft materials to prevent self-harm included among instruments of restraint?No soft rooms are used
What are the conditions and the procedure of using the rooms that are made of soft materials? How long is the maximum period of time for using it for an inmate? What measures are taken in order to prevent the risk of suicide of an inmate in this room ? Are there toilets in these rooms that are made of soft materials? Are the rooms being watched by cameras? Or are there any other arrangements in these rooms? Is there a recording system for the inmates who are kept in these rooms ?To prevent self-harm and the behaviour of harm to someone else in crisis and aggression periods of inmates due to various reasons in prisons, in Latvian prisons special means are used – handcuffs (no longer than two hours, after each use of handcuffs they are removed for a period of 15 to 20 minutes). In Olaine prison (the Latvian Prison Hospital) (hereinafter – Latvian Prison Hospital), binding means are used with a doctor’s indications (it is forbidden to keep prisoner’s hands tied for more than 2 consecutive hours, it can be repeated after 15 to 20 minutes). After the use of special means, a doctor’s examination is mandatory.
Is keeping inmates for a period of time in rooms that are made of soft materials to prevent self-harm included among instruments of restraint?In Latvian prisons, with the exception of the Latvian Prison Hospital, there are no specially equipped cells for prisoners with suicidal tendencies. There is one cell with a soft wall covering (hereinafter – a cell with a soft cover) in the Latvian Prison Hospital (Addicts’ Center) in which a surveillance camera is installed (video surveillance is performed).
What are the conditions and the procedure of using the rooms that are made of soft materials? How long is the maximum period of time for using it for an inmate? What measures are taken in order to prevent the risk of suicide of an inmate in this room ?There is no time limit for placement in a cell with soft cover. The decision on placing a prisoner in this type of cell is made by evaluating the certain situation.
Are there toilets in these rooms that are made of soft materials? Are the rooms being watched by cameras? Or are there any other arrangements in these rooms?There is no bathroom in a cell with soft cover, but there is video surveillance.
Is there a recording system for the inmates who are kept in these rooms ?There is no recording system in a cell with soft cover.
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In the Article 236 of the Enforcement of Penal Sanctions Act reasons to remove convict to a separate room and also period of staying there are described: “(1) Judicial police officer may remove convicted person from the common living quarters and facilities and discharged into a separate room, given the suspicion of the existence of at least one of the following reasons: - That he has committed a criminal offense prosecuted ex officio, or if serious risk that he will commit such an offense, - It is preparing to escape or revolt, - That any threat to himself or others, - To seriously interfere with other work, relaxation or entertainment, - Deliberately destroys the prison inventory. (2) In the specific area may convict to stay more than 12 hours. If, before the expiry of that time found to be still given any of the grounds referred to in the preceding paragraph, the judicial officer who conducts shift, in agreement with the director of the prison decides to convict further placed in a separate room, as long as there are reasons but on the basis of the individual decision of not more than 12 hours. Installation of the convicted person in a particular area may not exceed a total of more than 72 hours continuously. (3) The convicted person must be in a separate room separately controlled. If at the time of control of the judicial officer finds that there are no longer grounds for placement in a special room, inform the judicial police officer who led the shift, which will decide on the further stay of the convicted person in a special room. On installation of the convicted person in a special room must be immediately notified healthcare professionals who order the necessary measures to protect his life and health.“ Rules on the exercise of the duties and powers of prison officers specify that the placement of a convict in a separate room shall be immediately notified to the medical staff, who shall order the necessary measures to insure the life and health of the convict. Immediately before the convict is placed in a separate room, a personal examination of the convict shall be performed. Supervision over a convicted person in a separate room shall be performed by a person of the same sex. Surveillance shall be carried out by constant video surveillance, or in the absence of this possibility, by staying in front of a separate room and by observing through a rope in the door at least every five minutes. A judicial police officer who supervises a convicted person in a separate room shall notify the operational manager of any change that could mean that the reasons for placement no longer exist. The judicial police officer prepares a report on the supervision of the convict in a separate room. The director of the institution shall check whether the legal and other conditions for the removal of the convict and his placement in a separate room are met. He also checks the justification of the possible use of coercive means in the removal procedure and the possible use of coercive means against the convict when he is already placed in a separate room. In connection with the removal of a convict and his placement in a separate room, the prison shall keep the following information: name and surname of the convict, date and time of removal or accommodation, duration of stay in a separate room and reasons for removal or accommodation of the convict.
Is keeping inmates for a period of time in rooms that are made of soft materials to prevent self-harm included among instruments of restraint?Such room is made of soft materials to prevent self-harm and is included in our term »separate room«.
What are the conditions and the procedure of using the rooms that are made of soft materials? How long is the maximum period of time for using it for an inmate? What measures are taken in order to prevent the risk of suicide of an inmate in this room ?As described above in answer to question number 1.
Are there toilets in these rooms that are made of soft materials? Are the rooms being watched by cameras? Or are there any other arrangements in these rooms?All such rooms are equipped with Video Management System. There is no toilet inside. However there are toilets planned in all new prison facilities. Inmate receives a blanket.
Is there a recording system for the inmates who are kept in these rooms ?There is 24hour Video Management System with recording in place in these rooms.
A distinction is made between the disciplinary and security measures taken by the prison direction and the security measures taken by the attending physician. Freedom-restraining measures for medical reasons have far-reaching effects on all parties involved: the detained patient, the security staff, the healthcare providers and the fellow inmates. Therefore, the sole aim of freedom-restraining measures is to protect the safety of the patient, to protect the safety of the staff, fellow patients or property and/or to preserve the therapeutic environment. The measures can never be aimed at reprimanding the detained patient. They are imposed and lifted by the attending physician, who notes them in the medical file. Examples are: camera surveillance, isolation in the cell or in a low-stimulus room or a safety cell, forced medicinal treatment, use of mechanical means (in exceptional circumstances)... As regards the prison system, the use of coercive measures for disciplinary reasons or security reasons is regulated by a specific circular (for the Directorate-General Penitentiary Institutions). In accordance with the Basic Law, a prison direction can impose disciplinary sanctions for conduct constituting a disciplinary offence or security measures to ensure or maintain order and security within the penitentiary institution[1], such as exclusion from collective activities, isolation in an assigned living unit...
Is keeping inmates for a period of time in rooms that are made of soft materials to prevent self-harm included among instruments of restraint?We do not have rooms or toilets that are made of soft materials. If the circumstances require freedom-restraining measures, the attending physician can decide to impose such measures. Specific medical material is used for these measures: fixation material, anti-smearing clothing, tear-proof clothing ... which are, of course, made of soft and suitable materials. We do not have specifically equipped cells for this purpose.
What are the conditions and the procedure of using the rooms that are made of soft materials? How long is the maximum period of time for using it for an inmate? What measures are taken in order to prevent the risk of suicide of an inmate in this room ?We do not have rooms or toilets that are made of soft materials. If the circumstances require freedom-restraining measures, the attending physician can decide to impose such measures. Specific medical material is used for these measures: fixation material, anti-smearing clothing, tear-proof clothing ... which are, of course, made of soft and suitable materials. We do not have specifically equipped cells for this purpose
Are there toilets in these rooms that are made of soft materials? Are the rooms being watched by cameras? Or are there any other arrangements in these rooms?We do not have rooms or toilets that are made of soft materials. If the circumstances require freedom-restraining measures, the attending physician can decide to impose such measures. Specific medical material is used for these measures: fixation material, anti-smearing clothing, tear-proof clothing ... which are, of course, made of soft and suitable materials. We do not have specifically equipped cells for this purpose.
Is there a recording system for the inmates who are kept in these rooms ?A distinction is made between the disciplinary and security measures taken by the prison direction and the security measures taken by the attending physician. Freedom-restraining measures for medical reasons have far-reaching effects on all parties involved: the detained patient, the security staff, the healthcare providers and the fellow inmates. Therefore, the sole aim of freedom-restraining measures is to protect the safety of the patient, to protect the safety of the staff, fellow patients or property and/or to preserve the therapeutic environment. The measures can never be aimed at reprimanding the detained patient. They are imposed and lifted by the attending physician, who notes them in the medical file. Examples are: camera surveillance, isolation in the cell or in a low-stimulus room or a safety cell, forced medicinal treatment, use of mechanical means (in exceptional circumstances)... As regards the prison system, the use of coercive measures for disciplinary reasons or security reasons is regulated by a specific circular (for the Directorate-General Penitentiary Institutions). In accordance with the Basic Law, a prison direction can impose disciplinary sanctions for conduct constituting a disciplinary offence or security measures to ensure or maintain order and security within the penitentiary institution[1], such as exclusion from collective activities, isolation in an assigned living unit...
In order to prevent causing by inmates of any harm to himself or to others can be applied physical force, special means and firearms in accordance with art. 223 para. (1) of the Enforcement Code, p. 204 of the Statute of enforcement of the sentence by the inmates and art. 7l (a) of Law no. 218 of 19.10.2012 concerning the application of physical force, special means and firearms. In the case of application to the inmate of physical force, special means and/or firearm, the inmate shall be subjected, obligatorily, to the medical examination, with drawing-up corresponding documents, in accordance with the provisions of the art. 223 para. (4) of the Enforcement Code. Civil servants with special status of the penitentiary administration system have the right to apply physical force and special means to inmates for rejecting the attacks of inmates on other inmates, prison staff and other persons, in accordance with the provisions of p. 216 of the Statute of enforcement of the sentence by the inmates. In case of attempted suicide, self-harm, attack on other inmates, handcuffs are applied to the inmates, until calming, in accordance with the provisions of p 219 of the Statute of enforcement of the sentence by the inmates.
Is keeping inmates for a period of time in rooms that are made of soft materials to prevent self-harm included among instruments of restraint?In the penitentiary institutions within the penitentiary administration system, no soft material rooms have been built to hold convicts for a period of time, in order to prevent self-harm. Therefore, this element of coercion is not provided in the executive-criminal legislation in force of the Republic of Moldova.
What are the conditions and the procedure of using the rooms that are made of soft materials? How long is the maximum period of time for using it for an inmate? What measures are taken in order to prevent the risk of suicide of an inmate in this room ?The conditions and procedure for using rooms built of new materials, the maximum period of time in therefore their use for a detainee, as well as the measures taken to prevent the risk of suicide of an inmate in this room are not regulated in the enforcement law in force of the Republic of Moldova
Are there toilets in these rooms that are made of soft materials? Are the rooms being watched by cameras? Or are there any other arrangements in these rooms?There are no rooms and toilets made of soft materials in the penitentiary institutions of the penitentiary administration system. Detention rooms in penitentiary institutions of the penitentiary system are not video monitored.
Is there a recording system for the inmates who are kept in these rooms ?There is no registration system of detainees in rooms made of soft materials.
If the inmate does not control his/her action (by his/her uncontrolled behavior, he can endanger his/her life, health or life and health of other person), the prison staff is authorized to use shackling straps, i.e. to restrain such a person to “restraining bed”. Shackled person shall be under physical control of the prison officer during the whole time of the use of the shackling straps. While using shackling straps, the prison officer shall pay attention on not disrupting a blood circulation of the shackled person. I addition to shackling straps, the Corps of Prison and Court Guard started to implement more humane and effective alternative to shackling straps. Currently, in one third of all Slovak prison facilities, there is established so-called compensation room. It is a room without furniture, where interior walls and door are secured by soft and easily cleanable material that is resistant to mechanical damage; all edges and corners are usually rounded and secured by soft material so, that the inmate cannot cause any injury by his/her uncontrolled behavior.
Is keeping inmates for a period of time in rooms that are made of soft materials to prevent self-harm included among instruments of restraint?Yes, see the answer to question no. 1.
What are the conditions and the procedure of using the rooms that are made of soft materials? How long is the maximum period of time for using it for an inmate? What measures are taken in order to prevent the risk of suicide of an inmate in this room ?The time of placement in the compensation room shall not last more than eight hours. Only in extraordinary cases, especially when uncontrollable action repeats in spite of the use of professional intervention, the placement can last longer, but a maximum of 24 hours. Immediately after the end of the signs of uncontrolled behavior and after making of verbal contact, the inmate is provided with professional intervention (psychologist, doctor, psychiatrist) and subsequently he/she is ordinary placed in the cell or room. However, if even after the maximum specified time the uncontrolled action of the inmates cannot be improved using placement in the compensation room, the inmate is transferred to the prison hospital for further hospitalization.
Are there toilets in these rooms that are made of soft materials? Are the rooms being watched by cameras? Or are there any other arrangements in these rooms?The compensation room is not equipped with sanitary facility or drinking water supply. Industrial water supply is placed on the ceiling of the room for cleaning purposes and it is operated from the premises out of the compensation room.
Is there a recording system for the inmates who are kept in these rooms ?Physical control that is necessary during the whole time of the use of shackling straps, is while placement in the compensation room, replaced by noncontact monitoring of the person via security camera or through space in the door.
The use of coercive means in prison is regulated by art. 45 of the Organic Penitentiary Law 1/1979, and by arts. 71 and 72 of the Royal Decree 190/1996 which enacts the Prison Regulations (PR). According to art. 71 of the PR, in any case only the less harmful measures will have to be adopted according to the principles of necessity and proportionality. The almost complete restriction of movements will only be adopted when there is no less harmful measure to achieve the specific safety goal and only for the minimum time strictly needed. Art. 72.3 of the PR establishes that when an immobilisation measure needs to be adopted, it is compulsory to inform the Prison Supervision Judge indicating the beginning and the end of the immobilisation. The mechanical restraint can be applied with two different approaches: 1) as a health safety measure and in such case only a psychiatrist or doctor can authorise it 2) as a coercive measure and then it can only be authorised by the prison director. In either case, when mechanical restraint on a bed is applied, the inmate shall be intensively and closely supervised by health care staff during the time the restraint lasts. Different forms of restraint as a health safety measure are governed by Circular 3/2004 which regulates how to act when an inmate that is placed in a psychiatric unit within the prison, unexpectedly starts to behave aggressively as a result of his/her psychiatric condition and in a way that poses a risk for himself or for others. When the inmate’s behaviour can entail a risk for himself or for others and it has not been possible to deescalate it by other less invasive means, s/he can be placed in a cell alone or if the behaviour is highly aggressive and there is no other means to deescalate it, as a last resort, s/he would be placed in a bed with restraint straps. The decision to adopt this measure is made by a psychiatric staff member and it should only last a limited time. The inmate will constantly by under supervision so that health staff will immediately be informed if the inmate’s health worsens. Circular 2/2007 regulates mechanical restraint procedure when applied as a coercive measure and it describes in detail how and in which circumstances the different means of restraint shall be used and applied properly. Restraining beds with straps are used only as a strictly exceptional measure when there there is a high risk for the inmate or for others and the other less harmful means are not sufficient. In this case, this measure must be authorised by the director of the prison. In both cases in which a restraining bed is used, either as a health safety and as the coercive measure, i means that the person is placed on a bed with a matress with 5 subjection straps specific to ensure his/her immobilization: one for each arm, one for each of the legs, and one for the waist. The straps are made of textile material like those used in regular psychiatric settings. The integrity of the person shall be guaranteed and any forced or degrading positions are explicitly forbidden. The maximum confort compatible with the immobilisation goals should be ensured. The restraint bed is always located in a cell with CCTV and an intercom system, so that communication between the inmate and the staff is possible at any time. This measure must only be applied for the minimum time necessary. When such mechanical restraint is applied, either as health safety or as a coercive measure, the inmate should be intensively and closely supervised by health care staff during the time the fixation lasts. Currently both circulars are being reviewed and will soon be replaced by one new Circular that includes the most recent recommendations by international organisations. On a different note, the Secretariat introduced the specific Protocol of Suicide Prevention in Catalan prisons. Every member of the prison staff who can be in contact with inmates, has been trained on this programme. Anyone can identify an inmate with a possible risk of suicide by any means and in such case, the risk will be evaluated by the appropriate professionals as low, moderate or high. For each different risk level, different observation, support and safety means are activated. These means could be withdrawal of dangerous objects, hospitalisation or mechanical restraint. Such means are reviewed regularly by the health care staff of the prison. The protocol remains activated for 12 months. The underpinning principle of the programme is that all types of professionals working in the prison shall have a receptive and open approach in order to be alert of any sign or suicide risk possibility and shall work in a coordinated manner in the framework of the protocol. The programme describes 3 different key moments for risk detection: 1) systematic detection at the intake of the newly arrived inmate; 2) spontaneous detection along the time spent in prison for unexpected circumstances 3) during transfers between prisons where reinforced attention shall be paid to communication and coordination with regard to the medical record. Detection entails to be able to identify risk factors, turning points, warning signals and the protective factors of the suicidal behaviour. When there is any suspicion of risk of suicide, it will be reported to the so called Services Director of the prison who will inform the Director of the prison and the Health Care Service. The Health Care Service will activate the measures to be undertaken. Security, Health and Rehabilitation professionals are involved in early detection, management and monitoring of the risk of suicide. If there is an attempted suicide or a high risk of suicide, a proactive longitudinal monitoring over the course of 12 months will be applied. Such monitoring includes appointments with primary health care staff, monitoring by mental health staff tailored to the case, observation by the prison psychologists, social workers, educators as well as by security staff. All the information will be recorded in the data base. Any changes on the risk level will be reported by health care services to the prison high officials.
Is keeping inmates for a period of time in rooms that are made of soft materials to prevent self-harm included among instruments of restraint?As mentioned earlier, a new circular is being drafted that describes the different means of restraint that can be used depending on the risk level the inmate’s behaviour poses to himself or to others. One of the restraint means foreseen is a padded cell. Currently the Secretariat is doing looking for companies that can provide these means. Padded cells will be first piloted and then gradually implemented in all prisons.
What are the conditions and the procedure of using the rooms that are made of soft materials? How long is the maximum period of time for using it for an inmate? What measures are taken in order to prevent the risk of suicide of an inmate in this room ?We are not yet in the position to be able to provide these details.
Are there toilets in these rooms that are made of soft materials? Are the rooms being watched by cameras? Or are there any other arrangements in these rooms?It will be an open plan area, with padded walls with fire retardant material, antibacterial, waterproof and resistant. It will not have any corner edges and if so, these should be protected. There will possibly be a TV screen inside in order to introduce cognitive distraction elements. Inside the room there will be no furniture that can compromise the security of the inmate. For now, no bathroom inside is foreseen. There will be CCTV and an intercom system, so that communication between the inmate and the staff is possible at any time.
Is there a recording system for the inmates who are kept in these rooms ?Image and sound in the cell will be recorded.
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Special measures shall be taken against a prisoner who endangers order and security or threatens to endanger order and security. Special measures for maintaining order and security are: enhanced surveillance; confiscation and temporary detention of items that are otherwise allowed to a prisoner; tying the arms and, if necessary, the legs; separation from other prisoners; accommodation in a specially secured room without dangerous items; accommodation in the enhanced surveillance unit; islolation. Several measures may be ordered against a prisoner at the same time. Separation from other prisoners, accommodation in a specially secured room without dangerous items and accommodation in the enhanced surveillance unit are implemented under the supervision of a doctor or nurse or technician. Islolation of prisoners is carried out under the supervision of a doctor. Enhanced surveillance, confiscation and temporary detention of items that are otherwise allowed to a prisoner, tying the arms and, if necessary, the legs, separation from other prisoners and accommodation in a specially secured room without dangerous items may also be carried out against a prisoner who has been sentenced to pre-trial detention, in which case the warden shall inform the court that ordered the pre-trial detention about the implementation of the measure. All special measures for maintaining order and security, except the islolation of prisoners, shall be determined by the prison director. On islolation, at the proposal of the prison director, with the prior opinion of the doctor, the enforcement judge decides within 15 days from the date of receipt of the proposal. Execution of a special measure of maintaining order and security shall be suspended when the reasons for which the measure was imposed cease to exist. Enhanced surveillance means more frequent monitoring of prisoners during daytime activities and at night. Confiscation and temporary detention of items that are otherwise allowed to a prisoner is carried out temporarily, as long as there are reasons. Tying the arms and, if necessary, the legs can last once for a maximum of 12 hours in 24 hours. Separation from other prisoners is carried out by placing the prisoners in a single room for a maximum of 30 days. Accommodation in a specially secured room without dangerous items may last for a maximum of 48 hours at a time, with the obligatory supervision of a doctor or nurse or technician at least once in 24 hours. Accommodation in the enhanced surveillance unit can be ordered only in closed penitentiaries or prisons. A prisoner whose actions seriously endanger safety may be sentenced to solitary confinement for a maximum of three months, and during a calendar year, the measure may be applied no more than twice.
Is keeping inmates for a period of time in rooms that are made of soft materials to prevent self-harm included among instruments of restraint?Keeping inmates for a period of time in rooms that are made of soft materials to prevent self-harm is one of the special measures for maintaining order and security (accommodation in a specially secured room without dangerous items).
What are the conditions and the procedure of using the rooms that are made of soft materials? How long is the maximum period of time for using it for an inmate? What measures are taken in order to prevent the risk of suicide of an inmate in this room ?Accommodation in a specially secured room without dangerous items can last for a maximum of 48 hours at a time. The prison director shall obtain the opinion of the doctor or nurse or technician for the execution of this measure within six hours from the beginning of its execution. In addition to this measure, a special measure for maintaining order and security of enhanced surveillance is obligatory. Supervision by a doctor or nurse or technician is mandatory at least once every 24 hours.
Are there toilets in these rooms that are made of soft materials? Are the rooms being watched by cameras? Or are there any other arrangements in these rooms?A specially secured room without dangerous items is lined with soft and non-flammable material and is under video surveillance.
Is there a recording system for the inmates who are kept in these rooms ?The inmates who are kept in these rooms are monitored and recorded via a video surveillance system.
The general approach to risk of harm to self and to others is to manage and reduce it, by providing support and other appropriate actions to address the risks. The use of force and restraint, and different forms of accommodation, are all last resorts to be used when there is no alternative. They are rigorously monitored and used for the shortest time possible. When used they are reviewed at frequent intervals to ensure they are stopped as soon as possible. Self-harm: in extreme cases, staff may use a body belt to manage the risk of self-harm, although it is extremely rare and its use has to be authorised at a senior level. For safer cells, see 2 below. Violence to others: where the risk of violence cannot be managed in normal accommodation, prisoners can be placed in segregation (also known as care & separation): a separate part of the prison where prisoners have more limited contact with others. Cells in segregation are generally the same as normal accommodation. However, bedding, furniture and sanitation can all be removed from any cell (whether in segregation or not) in the interests of safety. This is known as special accommodation. As with segregation, it must be used only where absolutely necessary and for the shortest possible time. There are specific timescales for reviews for prisoners located in the segregation unit. Furniture that is not built in can be replaced with lightweight cardboard furniture to reduce damage.
Is keeping inmates for a period of time in rooms that are made of soft materials to prevent self-harm included among instruments of restraint?HMPPS does not use rooms made of soft materials. The most common method of self-inflicted death is by ligature. Because of this, where possible, cells are designed to remove as many ligature points as possible - examples include bars on windows, pipes, and bed frames. Where necessary a prisoner at risk of self-harm can be moved to a safer cell with reduced ligature points, although it is often better not to move them and to manage the risk by other means. Where necessary the prisoner can be moved to a constant supervision cell. This has a gate or a clear door through which the prisoner can be seen at all times, so they do not have the chance to use a ligature while unobserved. Special clothing and bedding are available that are designed to be harder to tear apart into ligatures. As with all such unusual measures, they are used only where absolutely necessary, for the shortest time possible, and under constant review.
What are the conditions and the procedure of using the rooms that are made of soft materials? How long is the maximum period of time for using it for an inmate? What measures are taken in order to prevent the risk of suicide of an inmate in this room ?Risks of self-harm and suicide are managed using the Assessment, Care in Custody & Teamwork (ACCT) process. This is a multi-disciplinary system where prison staff, healthcare staff and others who can contribute come together to agree the best way to manage and reduce the risk. Any measure such as a move to a constant supervision has to be agreed by all the multi-disciplinary team, and the team will keep it under review and decide whether it is no longer needed. The team also sets the frequency at which the prisoner should be observed, which will vary according to how high the risk of self-harm is; and commission other interventions that may help to reduce the risk.
Are there toilets in these rooms that are made of soft materials? Are the rooms being watched by cameras? Or are there any other arrangements in these rooms?Not all prisons have in-cell toilets, so not all ligature-resistant or constant supervision cells will have them. Otherwise, they do. CCTV can be used as an aid to observation, under strict controls. It is never used as the only way to observe a prisoner who is at risk.
Is there a recording system for the inmates who are kept in these rooms ?For every prisoner supported through ACCT, a full record of all decisions and events is kept as part of their personal file. The number of times ACCT is used is also recorded by HMPPS.