Доклад от мисията на МХФ в затворените институтии в Полша

The majority of disciplinary measures (two thirds) are reprimands. As to the rest (one third) around 50% is usually suspended. There is a downward trend recorded in regard to the number of disciplinary offences per year. Only three cells exist now for solitary confinement and they are not full.

Usual disciplinary offences are illegal contacts with outside world and aggression.

Solitary confinement as the hardest measure has been applied in 40 cases this year (at the moment of the visit 2 were ongoing). Average time of solitary confinement is 7-14 days.

According to the Article 143 of the Criminal Code, which regulates the type of disciplinary measures, the inmate has the right to appeal the decision to the Prison Court. In practice, less than 20 persons complain on the decision, and there has never been a case that the prison court has overruled it.

The security cell is used for isolation in cases of an aggression or when inmates are dangerous. Usually, aggression is the result of detention itself or use of alcohol or drugs.

Those are the main reasons for self – aggression as well.

Security cell is a bare room with video surveillance and window to the corridor for the security staff. An inmate can be handcuffed and in serious cases tied with belts. The bed is wheeled inside the room for the night.

In majority of cases the security cell has been used for persons in delirium, when additional measures had to be applied.

In case of aggression, the first measure is negotiation through psychologist to calm him down.

Not any measure however will be applied without consultation and presence of a doctor.

The potential aggression of an inmate is detected at his arrival to the institution, when the personality test is done by a teacher to assess his mental condition and capability. The record of the person will be consulted and if the reason is found, the psychologist will be consulted before the person is classified as aggressive. Eventual disciplinary offences do not add to this kind of conclusion.

Use of force Excessive force has been used in 10 cases this year. Not any is used without a doctor `s presence and check up.

Security staff has undergone numerous training to enable them to better deal with difficult situations and inmates, and such training represents a professional training. There are as well intervention groups in case of serious situations.

However in 1997 was the last protest of the prisoners.

Activities Institution has a large library with more than 20.000 copies of books. Inmates order books once a week.