Consensus was reached on the scope of the doctor's mandate in treating detainees; doctors' qualifications; where detainees are to be examined and under what conditions; how custody conditions influence doctors' delivery of services and cooperation; the content of the medical certificate and record; and doctors' duty of confidentiality and liability. Doctors' mandate in treating detainees in police custody is to protect the detainee's physical and mental health, provide an expert assessment at the request of the judicial authority, and act as a medical expert as required. The medical examination should be conducted in the police station, so the doctor can assess the conditions in which detainees are being held. If the minimum conditions required for a medical examination are not available, the doctor may refuse to express an opinion as to whether the detainee is fit to be held in custody or may ask for the detainee to be examined in a hospital. Regarding a doctor's qualifications, preference should be given to doctors who have the professional knowledge and independence to provide medical services that are in the best interests of the detainee. Doctors should prescribe any ongoing treatment required to meet the health needs of the detainee as well as any emergency treatment required. Custody officers may monitor the detainee and administer medication; however, their role should be specified in writing on the medical certificate. Doctors' opinions should be recorded on a standardized medical form used nationwide. 10 references