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Recommended Policy for Treatment and Operation of Substitute Prison [2004] KRNHRC 26 (1 January 2004)

The Commission conducted a survey on eight substitute prisons nationwide to identify
general problems in medical care, exercise, meals, health, and sanitation.
The results of the survey showed that overall conditions were very poor. When a
detainee of a substitute prison becomes sick, medical treatment of the detainee entirely
depends on outside medical care. No exercise or sun exposure is permitted. The quality of
foods is very poor. Health and sanitary measures are insufficient. The prisons are
overcrowded. No female prison officers are assigned, so female detainees are under
supervision of male officers.

The Commission recommended that the management of substitute prisons be transferred
from the National Police Agency to the Ministry of Justice and that the Commissioner-
General of the National Police Agency take the following measures until the transfer of
substitute prisons to the Justice Ministry in completed: provide health and medical care;
allowing sunbathing and outdoor exercise as stipulated in Detention and Guard Rules and
Prison Design Standards; provide sufficiently nutritious meals sanitarily prepared; improve
facilities to allow natural lighting and ventilation; maintain a clean and sanitary
environment; and assign female officers if there are female detainees.