Concerning the Swedish Prison and Probation Service’s processing of packages addressed to inmates

Summary of the decision: Summary of the decision: During 2024, the Parliamentary Ombudsmen received a number of complaints concerning the Swedish Prison and Probation Service’s processing of packages addressed to inmates. The matter has been reviewed in this case. In her decision, the Parliamentary Ombudsman discusses the circumstances under which the contents of shipments may be retained or held for inmates, how packages delivered to collection points should be dealt with, and her view on inmates being required to provide information on the contents of a package before being permitted to receive it.

The Parliamentary Ombudsman notes that regulations concerning shipments sent to inmates are ambiguous, and therefore sends a copy of the decision to the Government and to the chair of the inquiry currently reviewing the Act on Detention and Act on Imprisonment.