Criticism of the Swedish Prison and Probation Service, Helsingborg Remand Prison, for shortcomings in the treatment of an inmate with special needs

Summary of the decision: In conjunction with an inspection of Helsingborg Remand Prison, the situation of an inmate with special needs came to light. The Swedish Prison and Probation Service’s placement and treatment of the inmate was subsequently investigated within the scope of a separate case.

The Parliamentary Ombudsman notes that the inmate’s situation at the time of the inspection was far from acceptable and criticises the remand prison for failing to investigate the inmate’s need for care and nursing with the urgency the situation demanded. The Parliamentary Ombudsman is also critical of the remand prison for failing to adapt the deprivation of liberty to the inmate’s physical and mental health status with sufficient urgency.

Finally, the Parliamentary Ombudsman states that inmates with special needs in terms of care or nursing are vulnerable and that depriving them of liberty often imposes an especially great strain on them. It is important that the Swedish Prison and Probation Service has procedures in place to ensure that these inmates too are treated in a dignified manner. The agency must be prepared to investigate their needs and adapt the deprivation of liberty to their circumstances with sufficient urgency.