Appropriate Adult/PACE

Overview

The role of the Appropriate Adult was created in the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984, with the intention of safeguarding the rights and welfare of young people and vulnerable adults in custody. When someone is arrested by the police and taken to a police station they have three basic rights; • The right to free and independent legal advice • The right to have someone informed of their arrest • The right to consult the Codes Of Practice (concerning police powers and procedures) Having identified a young person or a vulnerable adult, the custody officer has a duty to request the attendance of a responsible adult, ( known as an ‘Appropriate Adult’) .This role is different to that of a solicitor. An Appropriate Adult can be a family member, friend or a volunteer or social / health care professional.

Who is Appropriate Adult/PACE aimed at?

All persons involved in interviewing with vulnerable people and suspects

Course Length

1 day

Learning Outcomes

On conclusion of the training, participants will have the knowledge base required to fulfil the role of Appropriate Adult. It will instruct and update professionally qualified staff from health and social services (who work with adults with mental health problems or learning disabilities that make them vulnerable), on the subject of PACE and Appropriate Adult work