The NPM visited the police station in Tønsberg twice, first on 14 October and again on 20 October. The first visit was announced in advance while the second visit was unannounced.
The report contains several recommendations, one of which is that the police should, together with the correctional services, review its routines for sharing information and cooperating when transferring vulnerable detainees to prison in order to ensure that they are properly cared for.
During the visit, the NPM inspected the police custody premises and recommends that the police consider the possibility of upgrading several cells, for example by ensuring good lighting and a clock in each cell. Detainees should also be ensured daily access to fresh air and daylight as well as a real possibility of movement.
The Norwegian NPM was established in spring 2014, following Norway’s ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT) in summer 2013.
The NPM conducts regular visits to places where persons are or may be deprived of their liberty, such as prisons, police stations, psychiatric institutions and child welfare institutions.