- 58 At present, staff are provided with a minimal amount of training at the beginning of their career, consisting of several week’s on-the-job experience followed by an initial training course in Athens. Staff met by the delegation in the various prisons visited stated that thereafter they had received no refresher courses or specialised training. To date, prison officers have usually been required merely to open and close gates, with limited attention paid towards such issues as dynamic security, rehabilitation of prisoners and personal development of prison officers. Such an approach is not compatible with the purpose of prison as set down in the Prison Law of 1999. 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. To this end, it is necessary to review the initial training programme to ensure that it properly prepares prison officers for the tasks they should be carrying out. Further, the CPT considers it important to be able to offer all prison officers a programme of further training and refresher courses, such as those on mental health, psychology, suicide prevention, anti-bullying, cultural awareness, etc. 123. The CPT recommends that the Greek authorities review the initial training programme for prison officers, in the light of the above remarks. Further, the follow-up training for all prison officers should be developed. The CPT would like to receive, in due time, a copy of the comprehensive human resources policy for prison staff, which should comprise initial training, regular refresher and specialist courses and ongoing support. In addition, the Greek authorities are invited to reconsider the most effective deployment of the perimeter security staff and whether that staff’s specific guard functions, as opposed to their escort duties, might be largely replaced by electronic and camera surveillance. 124. 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, bearing in mind what could happen should control of the establishments ever be lost.