Quick Answer: An appropriate adult is a person who attends the police station to support a young person (under 18) or vulnerable adult. PACE Code C describes the appropriate adult’s role as safeguarding the rights, entitlements and welfare of juveniles and vulnerable persons.[1] As a general rule, a detained juvenile or vulnerable person must not be interviewed in the absence of the appropriate adult, subject to limited exceptions set out in Code C.[1]
What Is an Appropriate Adult?
Under PACE Code C, certain detainees are entitled to have an "appropriate adult" present during their time in police custody. This safeguard exists to protect vulnerable people who may not fully understand the procedures or their rights.
The appropriate adult is there to support the detainee – not to replace a solicitor or to assist the police. Their role is separate from and in addition to legal representation.
Who Needs an Appropriate Adult?
An appropriate adult is required for:
- All persons under 18 – regardless of maturity or understanding
- Adults who appear to have mental health conditions
- Adults with learning disabilities or difficulties
- Adults who appear unable to understand the process
The custody officer must make an assessment of whether an appropriate adult is needed. If there's any doubt, one should be called.
Who Can Be an Appropriate Adult?
For Young People (Under 18)
- Parent or guardian (first choice)
- Social worker
- Other responsible adult aged 18 or over
For Vulnerable Adults
- Relative, guardian, or carer
- Trained appropriate adult volunteer
- Social worker or mental health professional
Who Cannot Be an Appropriate Adult
- Police officers or police employees
- The solicitor acting for the detainee
- Anyone involved in the alleged offence
- Victims or witnesses
- Anyone the detainee doesn't want
What Does an Appropriate Adult Do?
The appropriate adult's responsibilities include:
- Support: Providing reassurance and emotional support
- Communication: Helping the detainee understand what's happening
- Rights: Ensuring the detainee knows their rights
- Observation: Watching that interviews and procedures are fair
- Intervention: Speaking up if treatment is improper or oppressive
- Assistance: Helping with communication if needed
When Must an Appropriate Adult Be Present?
An appropriate adult must attend for:
- Police interviews
- Reading of rights and procedures
- Charging or cautioning
- Intimate searches
- Strip searches
- Taking of samples (DNA, fingerprints)
- Signing of important documents
Appropriate Adult vs Solicitor
The roles are different and complementary:
| Appropriate Adult | Solicitor |
|---|---|
| Provides support and reassurance | Provides legal advice |
| Ensures understanding | Advises on interview strategy |
| Observes fairness | Challenges improper questions |
| Cannot give legal advice | Cannot act as appropriate adult |
A vulnerable person should have both an appropriate adult and a solicitor.
What If No Appropriate Adult Is Available?
If no suitable appropriate adult is immediately available, police must:
- Wait until one can be found (for interviews)
- Contact local authority emergency services
- Use the appropriate adult volunteer scheme
- Not proceed with interviews until one attends
Tips for Acting as Appropriate Adult
- Listen: Let the detainee talk and express concerns
- Don't advise: Leave legal advice to the solicitor
- Take notes: Record what happens and when
- Speak up: If something seems wrong, say so
- Stay calm: Your composure helps the detainee
- Ask for breaks: If the detainee is struggling
Sources
- Home Office: PACE Code C (December 2023) – detention, treatment and questioning (see e.g. paras 1.7A, 11.15–11.18)—https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pace-code-c-2023
Note: UK legislation changes. If something is urgent or unclear, get advice for your specific situation.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Under 18s and vulnerable adults must have an appropriate adult
- ✓Usually a parent, guardian, social worker, or trained volunteer
- ✓Police cannot interview without an appropriate adult present
- ✓The role is support, not legal advice
- ✓A solicitor should also be requested
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an appropriate adult?
An appropriate adult supports and safeguards the rights and welfare of a juvenile or vulnerable person at the police station (PACE Code C).
Who can be an appropriate adult?
For young people: parent, guardian, social worker, or responsible adult. For vulnerable adults: relative, trained volunteer, or social worker. Not police officers or the detainee's solicitor.
When is an appropriate adult required?
PACE Code C contains safeguards requiring an appropriate adult for juveniles and for adults treated as vulnerable for the purposes of the Code, including rules about interviews.
What does an appropriate adult do?
They support and reassure the detainee, ensure they understand their rights, observe that procedures are fair, intervene if treatment is improper, and assist with communication.
Can a parent refuse to be an appropriate adult?
If a parent/guardian cannot attend or is not suitable, police should arrange a different appropriate adult (for example, a social worker or another responsible adult) in line with PACE Code C.
Need Legal Support at the Police Station?
If you're acting as appropriate adult or need to support a vulnerable family member, I can provide legal representation to work alongside you.