Obtaining the appropriate adult: Disparity in practice

Holmes, Jennifer

Abstract

The Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, Code of Practice C requires an appropriate adult (AA) be provided for vulnerable suspects who have been arrested and detained in the police station. The role of the AA is to provide support to suspects, ensure they are treated fairly and understand their rights, and to facilitate communication (Code C, para 1.7A). However, research has found that AAs are not always obtained when required (NAAN, 2015; Dehaghani, 2019).

This blog draws upon my doctoral research which explored how vulnerable suspects were detained and interviewed by detectives on homicide investigations. A multiple case study was undertaken which employed qualitative methods, including a review of custody record documentation, analysis of recorded police suspect interviews, and semi-structured interviews with detectives and third parties. This research explores how AAs were obtained and highlights a disparity in practice, where detectives in one force directly approached AAs on a regular basis. This contrasted with practices in other forces where scheme coordinators facilitated the attendance of AAs, or rotas were used. The implications of such practices are briefly explored.

• Digital Artefact Type: Website Content
• Online Publication Date: Jan 5, 2021
• Publication Date: Jan 5, 2021
• Deposit Date: Sep 26, 2023
• Keywords: appropriate adult, police station, vulnerable suspects
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/11139020