opcat inspections 2011–2014
SiS submitted a statement in the investigation initiated following an inspection of the LVU home Stigby.29 It emerged that an inmate placed in isolation
has to change into special clothes, a t-shirt and knee-length shorts. The LVU
home Stigby had this procedure in order to ensure the safety of the individual
during their isolation.
In light of this statement, the Parliamentary Ombudsman made no further
comment on the question of clothing. However, the Parliamentary Ombudsman stated that the question of whether it is necessary for an inmate to
change clothes before being placed in isolation must always be assessed in the
individual case, and the LVU home Stigby was requested to review its procedures.
Observations during inspections of LVM homes
Inmates’ opportunities for contact with the outside world30
No general examination of an inmate’s incoming mail is permitted. A decision
must be made in each individual case on whether the conditions for this have
been fulfilled.
During an inspection of the SiS LVM home Hessleby, it was noted that the
home had a mail processing procedure whereby its inmates were forced to
open all incoming letters in the presence of personnel. However, no decision
concerning examination had been made in the individual cases, and the
home was criticised by the Parliamentary Ombudsman for this.
The Parliamentary Ombudsman also made a statement on the possession of
mobile phones etc. Pursuant to Section 31, LVM, an inmate at an LVM home
may not possess anything that might, among other things, be detrimental to
care or order at the home. An inspection of the LVM home Hessleby revealed
that its inmates, pursuant to this provision, were not permitted to possess
mobile phones. They were, however, allowed to have their own computers
with access to the internet. The Parliamentary Ombudsman did not have any
views on whether the individual should be allowed to have access to their
own mobile phones or computers. However, the Parliamentary Ombudsman
did emphasise that it might, as stated by inmates during the inspection, seem
“illogical” to ban mobile phones, but allow computers. According to the Parliamentary Ombudsman, this might provide grounds for SiS to consider the
issues surrounding the possession of mobile phones and computers in more
detail at a central level.31
29 Ref. no. 5415-2013
30 Ref. no. 6378-2012, ref. no. 2793-2013
31 Ref. no. 6378-2012
33
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