general observations in connection with inspections 23 cial training to the guards who staff police custody facilities. In other regions, no such special training is provided and it is up to the guards to introduce their new colleagues. The Parliamentary Ombudsmen has pointed out that police custody facility guards that do not have sufficient knowledge of their duties poses a security risk.2 It has also emerged that some police custody facilities have no written procedures and that service regulations for the police custody facility operation have not been updated.3 Shortcomings in the physical environment A recurring observation during inspections is that there are various shortcomings in the environment in which individuals deprived of their liberty are placed. At certain police custody facilities, it was observed, that windows are equipped with the kind of devices that prevent sufficient daylight from entering the cells.4 The Parliamentary Ombudsmen has previously stated that the exercise yards should let in proper light and provide access to fresh air. In addition, an exercise yard should be at least 15 square metres in order to be able to accommodate the need for physical activity.5 During 2015–2017, the Parliamentary Ombudsmen found that there were still shortcomings at a number of police custody facilities with regard to the design of the exercise yards. At a follow-up inspection of the police custody facilities in Umeå in 2015, the discovery was, that after four years, there was still no exercise yard and no alternative solution for accommodating the detainees’ right to spend time outdoors. In 2017, the Police Authority reported to the Parliamentary Ombudsmen that a temporary exercise yard had been built at the police custody facilities in Umeå, and a permanent solution was planned.6 Access to health and medical care An inmate at a police custody facility who needs health and medical care must be examined by a doctor. If an inmate requests to see a doctor a doctor shall be sent for, if it is not obvious that such an examination is not required. Each detention centre must have access to qualified doctors and personnel with suitable medical training. The Parliamentary Ombudsmen has stated, in a previous decision, that it is important to exercise careful supervision to note whether the state of health of someone taken into custody is such that there is a reason to call a doctor. If a person taken into custody requests that a doctor be contacted, or when he or she otherwise demonstrates symptoms that could suggest illness, police officers and other personnel at the Police Authority, who do not have medical training, must be careful about making a medical 2 Ref. no. 2652-2016. 3 Ref. nos. 3240-2016, 3241-2016 and 3902-2016. 4 Ref. nos. 871-2016, 3240-2016, 3241-2016, 5308-2016, 6361-2016 and 6465-2017. 5 JO 2014/15 p. 115, Ref. no. 2054-2013. 6 Ref. no. 3301-2015. The Parliamentary Ombudsmen has previously stated that exercise yards should let in proper light and provide access to fresh air.