Body search procedures follow specific guidelines established by article 152 of the Regulations. Different types of body searches occur: pat-down and naked strip search.

The CPT noted, in 2022, that prisoners held in Santa Cruz do Bispo and Tires women prisons complained of frequent strip searches carried out in degrading conditions. The prisoners were sometimes required to remove all of their clothing at once and were nearly systematically forced to squat, sometimes several times, during the search.¹

The use of means of restraint, such as handcuffs, is permitted when the goal is to avoid acts of violence (against other persons or oneself) and for matters of institutional order and safety. If the use of handcuffs exceeds one hour, the detained person must be presented to a doctor. The latter evaluates whether or not it is appropriate to continue the measure with regard to the person’s health.
Means of restraint may not be used as a disciplinary measure.
The use of handcuffs is systematic in the event of a transfer. The person is handcuffed, unless otherwise authorized by the warden of the establishment.
Persons detained in Monsanto Prison (security regime) are handcuffed during internal displacement.

There is no policy to prevent religious radicalization. The people identified as radicalized are put in solitary confinement.

Prisoners are, in the event of protest movements, subject to disciplinary sanctions:

• Placement in the disciplinary block

• Confinement to one’s own cell

• The removal of visits

The possible disciplinary sanctions are:

• A written warning

• A ban on the use of certain personal items (up to 60 days)

• The prohibition of personal purchases (up to 60 days)

• Restriction or prohibition from participating in activities (up to 60 days)

• Reduced walking time (up to 30 days)

• Confinement to one’s own cell (up to 30 days)

• Placement in a disciplinary cell (up to 21 days)

The decision to impose a disciplinary sanction is the responsibility of the warden. The warden is not obliged to apply the measure proposed by the investigation instructor. They may request the opinion of the technical council of the establishment (article 167 of the Regulations).

Disciplinary sanctions have an impact on the length of the sentence. Disciplinary sanctions are taken into account by the judge in charge of the enforcement of sentences when making a request for a sentence adjustment. If the lawyer may accompany the prisoner during the sentence adjustment hearing, they do not have the right to express themselves.

Disciplinary sanctions can have an impact on the detention regime. The incidence is not automatic. The warden may suspend the open regime for prisoners involved in disciplinary proceedings. The decision is then submitted to the Directorate General (DGRSP) for ratification (article 191 of the Regulations).

Solitary confinement, as part of a disciplinary measure, takes place in a controlled environment where security measures are reinforced.

Prisoners placed in solitary confinement are entitled to one hour of exercise outside the cell per day.
They spend 22 hours in their cell. This can be increased to 23 hours, upon the warden’s decision, when the space required for individual ‘yard time’ is unavailable (articles 173 and 174 of the Regulations).

The continuity of activities, work or training of prisoners in solitary confinement is not always ensured.
The prison warden may authorise prisoners assigned to their own cell to continue academic or vocational training. Prisoners placed in disciplinary cells are denied these activities, however.

Whether or not family ties can be maintained depends on the type of isolation.
The confinement regime allows the prisoner to meet with relatives; however, a visit cannot exceed one hour per week, outside normal hours.
A prisoner placed in a disciplinary cell cannot receive any visitors, unless authorised by the warden under special circumstances. A prisoner in solitary confinement is also denied access to a telephone. However, the prisoner is allowed to communicate with their lawyer and a chaplain.