- 30 65. As the CPT stated in its report on the 2009 visit, it is not surprising that with such low levels of staffing, prison officers have little control over what is occurring within the cell blocks. The present situation places a grossly excessive burden upon prison officers. The CPT maintains that certain wings of the prisons visited are effectively being ceded to groups of strong prisoners and the State is abdicating its duty of care in respect of many prisoners. The Ministry of Justice in Athens cannot continue to turn a blind eye to this state of affairs. The CPT calls upon the Greek authorities to carry out immediately a review of the current staffing levels in the prisons visited and, in the light of that review, make provision to recruit additional staff. In carrying out this review, regard should be had to the role and duties of prison staff as they relate to the purpose of sending people to prison. 66. To obtain personnel of the right calibre, the authorities must be prepared to invest adequate resources into the process of recruitment and training. However, no action has been taken to implement the CPT’s recommendation in this domain. Prison officers are on the frontline in terms of managing, controlling and supporting inmates; not only should there be sufficient numbers of prison officers present on the wings but they should be provided with the necessary skills and support to guarantee the implementation of the declared objectives of imprisonment, as set down in the Prison Law of 1999. The CPT reiterates its recommendation that the Greek authorities review the initial training programme for prison officers, in the light of the above remarks. Further, the followup training for all prison officers should be developed. 67. The CPT is fully aware of the economic constraints facing the Greek Government, which renders increasing the cost of the prison administration extremely difficult. Nevertheless, the State has an irrevocable duty of care to those in its custody. Making the necessary investment to provide a safe, and secure environment in the prisons will be money well spent in terms of reducing recidivism, not to mention what could happen should control of the establishments ever be lost38. The CPT trusts that this message will also be brought to the attention of the Greek Government, including the Minister of Finance. 38 Reference is made to the recent disturbances at Amfissa Prison on 20 January 2011 (see paragraph 49) and at Korydallos Men’s Prison on 15 February 2011.