the prison and probation service The ability to look out through cell windows During an inspection of the prison in Saltvik (2018), the Parliamentary Ombudsmen’s employees found that the external blinds in the rooms used for segregation severely limited access to natural light and the inmates’ ability to look out. Following the inspection, the Chief Parliamentary Ombudsman stated that the type of measures – taken to limit looking to and from other departments – must not entail greater restrictions than are necessary for the inmates and that such measures may be particularly sensitive to inmates who are held in segregation. For this reason, the Prison and Probation Service was requested to review the design of the blinds to find a solution that ensures inmates’ right to see their surroundings and guarantees an adequate entry of light.33 In a response to the Parliamentary Ombudsman, the Prison and Probation Service stated that it, together with the property owner, is trying to develop a type of privacy protection directly on the façade to prevent inmates from communicating with inmates in other units. With the new construction, inmates should have better opportunities to look out the windows and see the surroundings while at the same time having their privacy protected. According to the Prison and Probation Service, these possible improvements and solutions may be used in several of its properties and it investigated the issue with this in mind. Investments connected to these measures are in the investment plan for 2020–2022. In a decision, the Chief Parliamentary Ombudsman welcomed the fact that the Prison and Probation Service plans to take measures to improve the cell environments and that it tries to take a comprehensive approach to the issue by achieving similar solutions throughout the country.34 The environment in the Prison and Probation Service’s exercise yards The Parliamentary Ombudsmen have previously stated that it should be seen as a fundamental right upon admission to remand prison and prison that inmates have the opportunity to view their surroundings from the exercise yards. Adequate environments in the exercise yards can contribute to counteracting the negative consequences of deprivation of liberty.35 During the inspections of the Saltvik prison and the remand prison in Gävle (2018), it was noted that the exercise yards were designed in such a way that it was not possible to view the surroundings. For this reason, the Prison and Probation Service was asked to respond detailing the measures it has taken to improve the design of these exercise yards.36 In responding to the Parliamentary Ombudsman regarding the Saltvik prison, the Prison Service stated that it had requested funds to improve the ability for 33 See the Parliamentary Ombudsmen’s report p. 6 and 7, ref. no. 6027-2018. 34 See the Parliamentary Ombudsmen’s decision on 23 December 2019, ref. no. O 20-2019. 35 See the Parliamentary Ombudsmen 2016/17 p. 198. 36 See the Parliamentary Ombudsmen’s report p. 13 and 15, ref. no. 4675-2018 and p. 6 and 7, ref. no. 6027-2018. 45