Criticism of the Swedish Armed Forces because signage at the protected installation Falun Shooting Range failed to meet the requirements of the Installations Protection Act

Summary of the decision: On his own initiative, the Chief Parliamentary Ombudsman has inspected signage at the protected military installation Falun Shooting Range to assess whether it complies with the decision on protected status and the provisions of the Installations Protection Act (SFS 2010:305). The inspection related to one sign prohibiting entry and depiction and two notices stating times.

The Chief Parliamentary Ombudsman notes that the prohibition sign incorrectly stated the scope of prohibited entry and that the stated prohibition of depiction gave the impression that it related to a larger area than that covered by the authority’s decision. With regard to the prohibition on entry, the decision on protected status prohibits unauthorised entry when the shooting range is in use. However, the sign simply stated that unauthorised entry was prohibited. There was no information that the prohibition only applied during the times stated on the notices. This incorrect information may have led individuals to avoid visiting the area even when it was permitted to do so. Furthermore, the placement of one of the signs stating times was inappropriate, as this too may have given the impression that the prohibition on entry was more extensive than provided for in the decision to grant the installation protected status.

The inspected signs have not fulfilled the requirement for clarity in the Installations Protection Act. The Chief Parliamentary Ombudsman criticises the Swedish Armed Forces for this.