Section 54: Functions of Board of Visitors

54. Functions of Board of Visitors (1) A Board of Visitors shall— (a) meet at least once every month and on such other occasions as the Minister may direct; (b) enquire into the condition of detention of the detainees; (c) — (d) inquire into and report to the Minister on— (i) any abuse within an institution; (ii) any repair which may be urgently required in an institution; or (iii) any matter which it may consider expedient; and (e) do such acts as it may be required to do by the Minister. (2) At least one member shall visit the institution every month. (3) A member may inspect— (a) any part of the institution; (b) the detainees at work, in hospital or in separate or other rooms or wards; (c) all the books, journals and records relating to detainees. (4) Subject to subsection (5), no person shall accompany a member during a visit of inspection. (5) The officer in charge, or in his absence the officer most senior in rank, shall— (a) where a detainee wishes to see a member during the visit, inform a member of such wish; (b) afford a member every assistance in his visit; and (c) depute an officer to accompany him. (6) A Board may ask the Commissioner or the medical officer any information or report but shall not otherwise interfere in the management of an institution or issue orders to officers. [S. 54 amended by s. 12 (a) of Act 21 of 2012 w.e.f. 1 July 2013.]