Dogs must strengthen security at the detention center

Security at the Swedish Migration Agency’s custody must be improved, according to a government investigation.

Body searches in more cases, entry control and drug dogs are some of the measures to be put in place.

– We consider these proposals to be extremely urgent, says Migration Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard (M) and mentions that there have been spectacular escapes.

In Sweden’s six detention centers are foreigners who have received a rejection or deportation decision and who do not leave the country voluntarily. In recent years, security has deteriorated, according to the minister.

A government inquiry proposes a series of measures to deal with the problems.

“Not enough”

It is mainly when a person arrives at a detention center or receives visitors that drugs, weapons or other unauthorized items are smuggled in, according to investigator Johan Lundmark, to everyday lawman in the Stockholm Court of Appeal.

– The regulations that currently exist are not sufficient, he says.

Therefore, body searches must be able to be carried out on arrival in more cases than today. Packages must also be checked in more cases.

The Migration Agency must also decide to check all visitors and bags with a metal detector and a new form of supervised visits must be introduced, so-called glass window visits, where the detainee and the visitor sit in different rooms with a glass window between them.

Room searches, which may not be carried out today, must be allowed to search for unauthorized items and maintain order and security.

Should also apply to children

Even if children are rarely taken into custody, they must also be exposed to the measures. In order to strengthen legal certainty and children’s rights, the investigator suggests that body searches of children should always be carried out in the presence of a witness.

The Swedish Migration Agency will also be given the opportunity to use drug detection dogs. The goal is two dog teams that travel around Sweden.

– They are used by other authorities, including the Correctional Service, and are a very effective aid when searching for drugs. Drug detection dogs can also have a preventive effect, says Johan Lundmark.

The measures are proposed to come into force on 1 July 2025.