Lost your Password?
Click Here
Don't have an account?
Register Here
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.
Want to ask a question? Please read our guidance information found here: Submitting a KMS Question
← Back Search KMSThis content is only available to registered members of EuroPris.
Introduction: We kindly ask your assistance on issues concerning enforcement of special security measures for maintaining security. In Croatia, special measure of maintaining order and security by placing prisoner in specially secured cell without any dangerous objects is enforced in a cell which is specially designed for this purpose. This cell has no furniture and its floor, walls, and doors are covered by soft lining to prevent prisoner from committing self-inflicted violence. Before placing prisoner in this cell, judiciary police officers perform thorough search of the prisoner and of the basic clothing that prisoner keeps (for security reasons). This measure can be applied no longer than 48 hours and in the first 6 hours of its application the prison director has to have the medical doctor's opinion about the prisoner’s capability to endure this measure. This measure is applied together with a measure of enhanced surveillance by security officers. Medical doctor has to examine prisoner's health condition at least once in 24 hours.
This content is only available to registered members of EuroPris.
This content is only available to registered members of EuroPris.
Yes - Executive Order on the Use of Means of Restraint in State and Local Prisons. Handcuffs and security cells may be used under sections 65 and 66 of the Sentence Enforcement Act to restrain inmates serving sentences of imprisonment or safe custody. Sections 65 and 66 of the Sentence Enforcement Act and this Order apply correspondingly to remand prisoners
Who has the competence to declare this measure and how is this competence regulated?The Director of the institution or the person so authorized shall decide on the use of handcuffs, segregation in security cells, including immobilization by force, or on the use of other means of restraint, and on termination of such measures. If, due to circumstances in the individual case, it is impossible to await a decision from a person authorized under subsection (1) hereof, the decision is made by the officer present who is in charge of the relevant area. In such cases a person authorized under subsection (1) hereof must be notified of the incident as soon as possible.
What is the size of the cell in which this measure is enforced?The security cell must be designed so that it minimizes the possibility of damage to respectively inmates and staff. To ensure the maximum freedom of movement of staff, the security cell must have a floor area that is somewhat larger than an ordinary cell.
Is there any kind of physical protection on walls and doors to prevent prisoner of committing self-inflicted violence, or to minimize the harm of potential self-inflicted violence?Access to the cell should be as broad as possible with a doorway at least one meter, to sure that the inmates and staff can pass the door at the same time. All edges and door sills associated with the cell should be with rounded edges. The door should open out of the room so that the inmates are not able to block the cell.
What materials are used in construction of the inside of a cell?The floor must have an appropriate surface with good opportunities for cleaning, so there may be a high level of hygiene. You have to establish a floor drain in the cell. The walls and ceiling of the cell must be shown in bright colors but not stark white. Heat should be built-in the floor and lighting, ventilation and heat must be regulated immediately outside the cell.
Are there any specificities regarding the doors of the cell (materials, possibilities of opening the doors and approaching the inside of a cell) or regarding the locks, windows and apertures and furniture in comparison with regular cells for accommodationThe cell must be equipped with an observation window of mirror glass secured with armoured glass against the cell. The window should have a size of 45 cm in height and 35 cm in width. In the cell, there must be a secured bed of tube construction with rounded shapes. The mattress must be fire - proof.
How is the prisoner monitored in this cell?The inmates must be monitored and observed by staff during the entire deployment in the security cell.
Does the cell have alarm bell inside?The prisoner can use a cell call. It must be of good quality as to be walled and located at the door.
Does the cell have fire-protection alarm/system?Yes it is mandatory to have a fire-protection alarm in the security cell.
How is the natural light in the cell provided?The window of the security cell should be fixed with the armored glass and shielded and therefore not possible to see into the cell from the outside. The cell must also be shielded from direct sunlight. The lighting in the cell should be indirect, and must allow for a good observation and staff must have the opportunity to adjust the brightness.
yes (the Penal Procedure Code, Regulation)
Who has the competence to declare this measure and how is this competence regulated?According to the Penal Procedure Code, as per § 103 StVG, the supervisory prison officer has the competence to declare this measure.
What is the size of the cell in which this measure is enforced?Between 6 to 12,5 square meter. Usually an average prison cell has 11 to 12,5 square meter, 6 only in old buildings.
Is there any kind of physical protection on walls and doors to prevent prisoner of committing self-inflicted violence, or to minimize the harm of potential self-inflicted violence?Specially secured cells have got a small antechamber and are located close to the office of the wing. It is necessary that specially secured cells are equipped with preventative measures, such as a smooth surface on walls, no angles and sharp edges, Italian toilet unit, floor heating and, in addition, two doors in case of emergency. Further, the fittings have to be fixed properly to avoid misuse or destruction.
What materials are used in construction of the inside of a cell?The materials of the wall, floor and doors are the same as in other cells and fire-proof. Therefore sealing floors are used and the walls of the cells are made of reinforced concrete.
Are there any specificities regarding the doors of the cell (materials, possibilities of opening the doors and approaching the inside of a cell) or regarding the locks, windows and apertures and furniture in comparison with regular cells for accommodationAnswer 4. The antechambers have in addition security fences and the windows are lockable with penetration aggressive glass.
How is the prisoner monitored in this cell?Most specially secured cells are monitored via video-camera
Does the cell have alarm bell inside?yes, with intercom system to the office
Does the cell have fire-protection alarm/system?No. In Principal, the wings are equipped with fire-protection alarm.
How is the natural light in the cell provided?The natural light is provided through the lockable window with penetration aggressive glass
Yes
Who has the competence to declare this measure and how is this competence regulated?The competance is regulated in our Enforcement of criminal sanctiones act and says: A judiciary police officer may remove a convict from communal living or other premises and take him to a separate room if reasonable suspicion exists: - that the convict has committed a criminal offence that is prosecuted ex officio, or if the convict seriously threatens to commit such an offence; - that the convict is preparing to escape or revolt; - that the convict is in any way endangering himself or others; - that the convict is seriously disturbing others at work, rest or recreation - that convict is deliberately destroying the prison inventory
What is the size of the cell in which this measure is enforced?The size of the cell must be between 6 to 9 m2 and at least 2,5m high.
Is there any kind of physical protection on walls and doors to prevent prisoner of committing self-inflicted violence, or to minimize the harm of potential self-inflicted violence?The walls, floors and doors must: - Be clothed with natural or artificial solid coating which contacts must be welded; the coating must be impermeable to water and must be resistant to chemical agents for cleaning and disinfecting, - Be designed so that there are no hidden edges (corners that are rounded and so preventing dirt to delay) - Be made of lining, which is so firm that it is not possible to tear with bare hands, - Under the coating should be laid artificial or natural damping flexible material, which should not be too soft and sensitive to mechanical damage and must be returning in original condition - flexible. The material is flexible if it is, together with a top coating, bent at least 2 mm in diameter of 10 cm - Floors should not be slippery
What materials are used in construction of the inside of a cell?Materials are not fire-proof.
Are there any specificities regarding the doors of the cell (materials, possibilities of opening the doors and approaching the inside of a cell) or regarding the locks, windows and apertures and furniture in comparison with regular cells for accommodationThere is no furniture in those cells. Doors must be The size of the door must be from 0.90 to 1.10 x 2.00 m. Doors must open on hallway For the purpose of control there is an aperture in the door (15cm x 15cm) which closes and locks from the outside. Door apertures are covered from the inside with the same material as mentioned above. Doors must have metal frame and clamped in at least five points: two courses, two horizontal and one vertical guide carriage (safety class B1 according to DIN 52290). Bolt lock shall be so designed as to enable quick closing
How is the prisoner monitored in this cell?With video-camera or if there is no such solution by prison officer looking through aperture every 5 minutes.
Does the cell have alarm bell inside?Yes
Does the cell have fire-protection alarm/system?Yes
How is the natural light in the cell provided?If possible depending on architectural conditions there should be natural light. The natural light is necessary to provide at least 30 lx. Artificial lighting shall be provided to the conventional or fluorescent light on the ceiling, emitting white light. The light is placed behind a transparent polycarbonate plate minimum thickness of 4 mm. Artificial lighting is required to provide at least 50 lx. The window must be resistant to breaking (safety class B1 according to DIN 52290). The window should not have a possibility to open it.. If the window is facing the courtyard or a place where inmates or staff are moving, the window should be made from "milky" glass. The light switch must be outside the special area.
Prisoners may be removed from normal accommodation and placed in a more secure environment due to risk to themselves or to others. The Scottish Prison Service Suicide Risk Management Strategy promotes a shared responsibility for the Care of those ‘at risk’ of self-harm or suicide. Agencies work together to provide a person centred caring environment based on individual assessed need where prisoners who are in distress can ask for help to avert a crisis. Isolation must be avoided, except when used as a last resort in very exceptional circumstances. Decisions about ‘at risk’ prisoners should be made by teams through case conferences and care plans which provide support and reflect the assessed prisoner’s needs and level of risk. Our best chance of preventing suicide is to create an environment where prisoners feel able to talk about their problems. Automatic or extended use of safer cells and strong clothing is considered to have a detrimental effect on prisoners. Good supportive relationships enable prisoners to cope better and share their concerns. Rule 41 of the Prisons and Young Offenders Institutions (Scotland) Rules 2011 makes provision for the Governor to make an Order for a prisoner/young offender to be accommodated in specified conditions where a healthcare professional (which will normally be the Head of Care at the Establishment or a Doctor working in the healthcare team in the Establishment) advises that it is appropriate to do so in order to protect the health or welfare of the prisoner or any other prisoners. Rule 95 of The Prisons and Young Offenders Institutions (Scotland) Rules 2011, allows for a prisoner to be removed from association with other prisoners. The Governor may order in writing that a prisoner be removed from association with other prisoners, either generally or to prevent participation in a prescribed activity or activates as detailed below. • Maintaining good order and discipline • Protecting the interests of any other prisoner • Ensuring the safety of other persons
Who has the competence to declare this measure and how is this competence regulated?The Suicide Risk Management Strategy allows for the case conference to make the decision on when a prisoner should be located in a safer cell. The Case conference must be attended by an Operational Officer, an Operational First Line Manager and a Health Care Professional. Rule 95 - Prior to a prisoner being removed from association written authority must be sought from a senior manager in the establishment where that prisoner is located. This authority cannot last for more than 72 hours. An extension to this Rule 95 can be applied to Scottish Ministers. SPS headquarters, on behalf of Scottish Ministers, will consider this application and where justified grant a Rule 95 (11) extension. This will last for no more than one calendar month. Further Rule 95 (11) extensions can be applied for on a month by month basis Normally when a prisoner has been removed from association under Rule 95 the individual is relocated to the Separation and Reintegration Unit (SRU) for the period for which the rule applies. In all cases a formal written process is applied throughout and a case conference model is applied, this includes the prisoner, those operational staff, including a manager, directly in charge of their supervision and care and those specialist services pertinent to the prisoners particular circumstances/care, i.e. Health Care provider (NHS), psychologist, education, psychiatrist, chaplain, etc. The SRU is a secure environment and is separate from the main residential accommodation cells. Access to items in use and association with other prisoners is controlled. All of the above is governed by The Prisons and Young Offenders Institutions (Scotland) Rules 2011 and the hyperlink below will allow you access to this document. Prison Rules Scotland 2011
What is the size of the cell in which this measure is enforced?The area of the cell is 7m2 in addition to a cubicilised wc/shower area which is approximately 1.2m2 (approx. 8.2m2 in total). This is the same as a modern standard single cell on the SPS estate.
Is there any kind of physical protection on walls and doors to prevent prisoner of committing self-inflicted violence, or to minimize the harm of potential self-inflicted violence?On modern safer cells, a standard painted finish is used. On a converted or refurbished cell in an older establishment, an applied resin coating may have been used as a means of producing a smooth surface.
What materials are used in construction of the inside of a cell?Generally our cells are formed from pre-cast concrete with wall and ceiling a painted finish. The flooring is linoleum, rubber or resin. The door is a standard metal cell door. All materials are fireproof.
Are there any specificities regarding the doors of the cell (materials, possibilities of opening the doors and approaching the inside of a cell) or regarding the locks, windows and apertures and furniture in comparison with regular cells for accommodationDoors are standard cell doors but open outwards to prevent barricading. The lock handle is designed to reduce gripping (to prevent a prisoner holding the door hut) and reduce potential as a ligature point. Windows have a perforated metal grill over the opening light to prevent access to window components that could be used as ligature points. The opening mechanism is designed to be ligature free. The furniture is from a proprietary range of ‘safer’ cell furniture. This is formed from a composite material encasing a plywood core and designed to have rounded edges and no ligature points. The WC, WHB and other fittings a resin material with reduced ligature potential. The electrical supply is fitted with RCD protection. The heating is provided by the use of low temperature radiant panels (or underfloor heating) Bedding (mattress, pillows and sheets) are anti-ligature materials. Curtains are anti-ligature forming material and secured using Velcro. Lighting is tamper proof, ligature free and robust.
How is the prisoner monitored in this cell?Aperture at door as per standard cell.
Does the cell have alarm bell inside?The cell has a standard prisoner cell call point – emergency alarm and voice communication.
Does the cell have fire-protection alarm/system?Yes – in the form of a watermist suppression system (same as standard cells) which also acts as a fire detection system.
How is the natural light in the cell provided?Windows are provided and are similar to standard cells.
The use of coercive measures in prison is regulated in § 38 of the Execution of Sentences Act, which reads: The Correctional Services may make use of a security cell; a restraining bed, or other approved coercive measure in order to a) Prevent a serious attack on or injury to a person, b) Prevent the implementation of serious threats or considerable damage to property, c) Prevent serious riots or disturbances, d) Prevent escape from prison, during transportation to or from a destination, e) Prevent unlawful intrusion into a prison, or f) Secure entrance to a closed or barricaded room. The Correctional Services shall use coercive measures only if the circumstances make this strictly necessary, and less forceful measures have been attempted in vain or will obviously be inadequate. Coercive measures shall be used cautiously so that no person shall unnecessarily be injured or made to suffer. As far as possible a medical opinion shall be obtained and taken into account in considering whether a decision shall be made to use a security cell or a restraining bed. The Correctional Services shall constantly consider whether grounds for maintaining the measure exist. Use of a restraining bed for a period that exceeds 24 hours shall be reported to the regional level, which will decide whether the measure shall be maintained. The question shall be reconsidered after 24 hours. The measure shall be reported to the Norwegian Correctional Services, if a restraining bed is used for more than three 24-hour periods. Use of a security cell for more than three 24-hour periods shall be reported to the regional level, which will decide whether the measure shall be maintained. The measure shall be reported to the Norwegian Correctional Services if a security cell is used for more than six 24-hour periods.
Who has the competence to declare this measure and how is this competence regulated?See question 1
What is the size of the cell in which this measure is enforced?NOTE: The national standard is to be applied when establishing new security cells and when rebuilding old ones. Consequently, there are a some security cells in Norwegian prisons which do not meet all requirements listed in the standard, however such deviations is of less significant kind. Same as an ordinary cell
Is there any kind of physical protection on walls and doors to prevent prisoner of committing self-inflicted violence, or to minimize the harm of potential self-inflicted violence?No, but all items are flushed with the surface
What materials are used in construction of the inside of a cell?Security cells are constructed with two goals in mind: Prevent the inmate from inflicting injuries to himself and also preventing the inmate from vandalizing the cell. What type of material which is to be used, is not specified in the national standard description.
Are there any specificities regarding the doors of the cell (materials, possibilities of opening the doors and approaching the inside of a cell) or regarding the locks, windows and apertures and furniture in comparison with regular cells for accommodationDoor: Made of solid material with sound absorbing material. Equipped with a 3-point espagnolett lock. Flushed with the surface Inspection window: One-way into cell. It shall be possible to view the entire cell from the inspection window. Aperture on cell door: Size: 300 mm x 200 mm. Is to be placed from 900 mm too 1200 mm from the floor. Flushed with the surface Window: Made of safety glass. Flushed with the surface. Madras and blankets: Made of fire-proof materials.
How is the prisoner monitored in this cell?Inspection window (one-way). Aperture at the door. Audiovisual surveillance is not allowed.
Does the cell have alarm bell inside?Yes. One-way communication from inmate to the control room
Does the cell have fire-protection alarm/system?Yes, it is equipped with a fire detector
How is the natural light in the cell provided?The cell must be situated in such a way that sufficient daylight comes in through the window. The view from the cell shall consist of more than the sky.
The normative acts do not prescribe placing prisoner in specially secured cell.
Who has the competence to declare this measure and how is this competence regulated?Please see answer to Question 1.
What is the size of the cell in which this measure is enforced?Please see answer to Question 1.
Is there any kind of physical protection on walls and doors to prevent prisoner of committing self-inflicted violence, or to minimize the harm of potential self-inflicted violence?Please see answer to Question 1.
What materials are used in construction of the inside of a cell?Please see answer to Question 1.
Are there any specificities regarding the doors of the cell (materials, possibilities of opening the doors and approaching the inside of a cell) or regarding the locks, windows and apertures and furniture in comparison with regular cells for accommodationPlease see answer to Question 1.
How is the prisoner monitored in this cell?Please see answer to Question 1.
Does the cell have alarm bell inside?Please see answer to Question 1.
Does the cell have fire-protection alarm/system?Please see answer to Question 1.
How is the natural light in the cell provided?Please see answer to Question 1.
This content is only available to registered members of EuroPris.
There is no legal or regulatory provision imposing secured equipment and adapted to a disciplinary cell.
Who has the competence to declare this measure and how is this competence regulated?The placement in a disciplinary cell is foreseen in the following regulation texts: the sovereign ruling no 3.782 of 16 May 2012 regarding the organisation of the prison administration and detention; The decree of the Judicial Services no 2012-8 of 4 June 2012 setting the conditions of application of the above mentioned ruling; the internal regulations of the establishment. The placement in a disciplinary cell of a detainee is in the competence of the prison governor and the deputy, of the chief guard and primary guards.
What is the size of the cell in which this measure is enforced?The surface area is of 11 square meter (4m x 2.8m)
Is there any kind of physical protection on walls and doors to prevent prisoner of committing self-inflicted violence, or to minimize the harm of potential self-inflicted violence?The disciplinary cell is equipped with a toilet and a point of water especially fitted and adapted to the situation, a table and a chair are fixed to the ground and the bed is fixed to the wall. On the other hand, the walls are not padded.
What materials are used in construction of the inside of a cell?The cell has tiled floor and the walls have earthenware. As for the ceiling, it is made of metal.
Are there any specificities regarding the doors of the cell (materials, possibilities of opening the doors and approaching the inside of a cell) or regarding the locks, windows and apertures and furniture in comparison with regular cells for accommodationThe cell is double door: a first full door followed by a barred door. The cell is equipped with a closed window with double panel and a lock.
How is the prisoner monitored in this cell?The detainee is supervised through an eyelet with large vision on the first full door.
Does the cell have alarm bell inside?Yes, the cell is equipped with a bell to call a supervisor.
Does the cell have fire-protection alarm/system?No, the cell is not equipped with a fire alarm system.
How is the natural light in the cell provided?The light is natural as the disciplinary cell is equipped with a window.
This content is only available to registered members of EuroPris.
Art. 73 of the Regulations containing provisions on the Penitentiary Act and on measures entailing restrictions on, and deprivation of, personal liberty (Decree of the President of Republic of 30th June 2000, n. 230) provides for what follows: "Isolation: 1. Continuous isolation for health reasons shall be ordered by the physician in cases of contagious diseases. This shall take place, according to the circumstances, in special rooms in the infirmary or in a clinical unit. During the period of isolation, the staff shall take particular care of the person suffering from such illness also in order to give him moral support. The isolation shall stop as soon as the contagious condition ceases. 2. Continuous isolation during the execution of sanction excluding the person concerned from association activities shall take place in an ordinary cell unless the internee's or prisoner's behavior is such as to cause a disturbance or is prejudicial to order and discipline. Even in such cases, the isolation shall be carried out in premises having the characteristics under Article 6 of the Penitentiary Act. 3. While prisoners and internees are being excluded from association activities in terms of Paragraph 2, they shall be prohibited from communicating with their companions. 4. Daytime isolation of life sentenced prisoners shall not imply their exclusion either from working activities or from education and training other than normal courses of study, or from religious services. 5. The usual quantity and quality of food and water shall be made available. 6. The conditions of persons subject to preliminary investigation who are in isolation shall not be different from those of other prisoners, except for limitations imposed by the proceeding judicial authority. 7. The situation of isolation of prisoners and internees shall be carefully monitored , with special daily checks carried out in the room where the isolation is taking place both by a physician and by a member of the Observation and Treatment team, with continuous and appropriate supervision conducted by the staff of the Penitentiary Police. 8. Isolation sections or units may not be used for cases other than those provided for by the law. In cases of self-harm and suicide attempts, the inmate can be allocated in cells without furniture or with suitable precautions to prevent the commission of sel-harm (room without corners, with furniture fixed to the wall, steel sink and toilet, heating and TV built into the wall and protected...).
Who has the competence to declare this measure and how is this competence regulated?Art. 33 of the Penitentiary Act provides for: "In penal institutions, continued isolation is allowed: a. when required for health reasons by the doctor; b. during the enforcement of the sanction of the exclusion from association activities by the Disciplinary Council; c. for accused reasons, during the phase of the preliminary investigation and for those arrested, during the phase of precautionary proceedings, where and as long as this is considered necessary by the judicial authority.
What is the size of the cell in which this measure is enforced?In Italy, the criterion adopted to calculate the surface to be put at the disposal of each inmate is the same criterion adopted for civilian housing, and namely: 9 square meters per each prisoner in a single cell, to which are added 5 further square meters per each further prisoner in multiple cells. (Ex: 1 inmate = 9 square meters; 2 inmates= 9+5 = 14 square meters; 3 inmates: 9+5+5= 19 square meters, and so on).
Is there any kind of physical protection on walls and doors to prevent prisoner of committing self-inflicted violence, or to minimize the harm of potential self-inflicted violence?No, there aren't any particular protections, except for the cases indicated in answer 1.
What materials are used in construction of the inside of a cell?The materials used for the construction of cells are fire-proof.
Are there any specificities regarding the doors of the cell (materials, possibilities of opening the doors and approaching the inside of a cell) or regarding the locks, windows and apertures and furniture in comparison with regular cells for accommodationSee the answer 1.
How is the prisoner monitored in this cell?Prisoners are monitored by apertures in the doors, but in particular detention situations, cameras may be used.
Does the cell have alarm bell inside?There isn't a specific rule that provides for this case.
Does the cell have fire-protection alarm/system?According to the law on safety at work, every public office (including any judicial structures) must have fire equipment.
How is the natural light in the cell provided?Art. 6, paragraph 1 of the Penitentiary Act provides that: "Premises where prisoners and internees are required to live shall be of a reasonable size, with artificial and natural lightning allowing reading and work to take place; well-aired, heated where required because of climatic conditions, and shall be equipped with private, adequate and functional sanitation".