UNOFFICIAL TRANSLATION BY THE INDEPENDENT OMBUDSMAN’S OFFICE
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Prisoners or detainees
Ask
What they were told they could use call bells for and if they understood
If they have used their call bell and how long it took for staff to respond
If they find their cells clean, safe and in good repair.
Documentation
Check
The cleaning contract and schedules, and the policy on clearing up spills and graffiti
The frequency of fire evacuation drills and their type
Contingency plans
Records detailing the maintenance and testing of fire and smoke detection.
Observation
Check holding areas, cells, interview and detention rooms and showers.
Observe whether staff checks cells before and after occupancy. Ensure that checks
and findings/damage are recorded.
Listen to what prisoners or detainees are told about the call bells when they are placed
in cell and how understanding is ensured, especially for those whose first language is
not Arabic and those with a disability, such as hearing difficulties or learning disabilities.
Check that call bells are connected and working.
