2016 | Concerning police custody the NPM recommended that the police prisons should pay particular attention to female remand prisoners’ need to maintain their personal hygiene and provide them with an opportunity to shower more frequently. The NPM emphasised that prisoners’ toilet use should not be monitored by a camera even if the preconditions for camera monitoring are otherwise fulfilled. Isolation under observation is an exception to the rule, but even in such cases arrangement should be made to ensure at least limited privacy. Monitoring can take place, for example, through tinted glass or plexiglass that obscures visibility. Concerning prisons the NPM noted that all female prisoners did not have the opportunity to have a sauna (Oulu). Prisoners placed in the isolation unit did not have the opportunity to shower daily (Pelso). | Report details |
2018 | The Deputy-Ombudsman found the practice that prisoners had to use the toilets in the presence of other prisoners to be degrading of their human dignity. The practice is also a serious violation of the prisoners’ right to privacy. In addition to the prisoner using the toilet, the practice is demeaning for the other prisoners in the cell, taking into account the cramped conditions and poor ventilation. The screen envisioned in the Criminal Sanctions Agency’s statement does not change these circumstances. The Deputy-Ombudsman found no cause to doubt the guards’ account of prisoners being permitted to use the toilet in private upon request. However, a situation, in which the prisoners are not aware of this possibility is equivalent to a situation, in which the possibility does not exist. The opportunity must be communicated clearly enough and also with due consideration of prisoners who do not speak and/or understand Finnish. | Report details |
2020 | The NPM report mentions the use of surveillance cameras in cells. According to the report, it is not acceptable to be able to see the prisoner using the toilet even in those situations where camera surveillance is allowed. Arrangement must be made to provide prisoners some privacy. | Report details |