the parliamentary ombudsmen’s opcat activities 18 (CPT), one of the most important elements of prison visits is that they are unannounced. The observations made during an inspection are documented in a record and reported for each ombudsman. If there is a question that needs to be investigated specifically, an enquiry is initiated. However, the most common procedure now is that the ombudsman comments on the observations directly in the record. In the first two years, statements in records were not common. In 2014, almost every record contained a statement. Among other things, the statements cover the importance of treating inmates with dignity. Statements sometimes contain reasoning concerning the deliberations in connection with coercive measures. Other issues that might be raised concern the opportunities for contact with the outside world. The records and statements can be accessed on the ombudsmen’s website, www.jo.se. Unannounced inspections Year Police Prison Remand prisons LVM 2011 1 0 1 0 2012 13 2 5 0 2013 7 2 5 1 2014*) 3 0 1 0 Total 41 *) In 2014, many inspections were announced one day before they commenced. Follow-up inspections and dialogues That statements and recommendations from a national preventive mechanism actually leads to changes can be said to be the real test of whether the scrutiny conducted is truly effective.5 One aspect of follow-up can be to visit an institution again to see how the general situation has changed. The visit may also be the consequence of a specific recommendation directed at the authority or institution. Follow-up visits are generally regarded as constituting a natural part of prevention. In 2014, the OPCAT unit began a follow-up inspection process. A follow-up visit was then made to the police detention facilities in Umeå to see whether there had been any change in the inmates’ opportunities to spend time outdoors. During the inspection, it was noted that the Police Authority had still not ensured the inmates can be given the opportunity spend time outdoors. The ombudsmen then decided to continue monitoring the measures being implemented and are currently communicating with the Police Authority. 5 Moritz Birk & Gerrit Zach, Enhancing Impact of National Preventive Mechanisms. Strengthening the follow-up on NPM recommendations in the EU: Strategic development, current practices and the way forward, Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Human Rights, p. 16.