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Appropriate Adults at Kent Police Stations: Who They Are and When You Need One

Appropriate adult at Kent police station interviews
Robert Cashman
25 June 2026
Police Station Advice

Introduction

An appropriate adult supports juveniles and vulnerable suspects during police custody and interview. At Kent stations, failure to provide one when Code C requires it can affect the fairness of proceedings.

Full guide: appropriate adult explained.

Police Station Agent is a private defence website operated by Robert Cashman — NOT Kent Police. Legal services are delivered through Tuckers Solicitors LLP (SRA ID: 127795).

Appropriate adult at Kent police station interviews
Appropriate adult at Kent police station interviews

Key takeaways

  • Required for juveniles and many vulnerable adults (Code C para 1.13(d)).
  • Must be present for interview in most cases (para 11.15).
  • Role includes advising, observing and facilitating communication.
  • See also unfitness to interview and vulnerable adults.

Vulnerability and fitness to interview

Healthcare professionals advise on fitness; appropriate adults support communication. See unfitness to interview under Code C.

Related guides

Conclusion

This article is general information for people attending Kent police stations. For advice about your own case, speak to a qualified solicitor before interview.

Sources

General information only — not legal advice about any individual case. While every care is taken to keep information accurate, errors may occur and the law changes. Do not rely on this page instead of advice from a qualified solicitor. If you believe something is incorrect, contact us to report a content error. Statutory references and Code C paragraphs are summarised for readability; refer to the official published versions linked above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can be an appropriate adult?

Usually a parent, guardian, social worker, or other responsible adult who is not a police officer. They must not be a witness in the case.

What does an appropriate adult do?

They advise the detainee, observe whether the interview is fair, and facilitate communication — Code C paragraphs 1.7A and 11.17.

Free legal advice at Kent police stations

Robert Cashman is a qualified criminal solicitor and accredited duty solicitor. Legal services at the police station are provided through Tuckers Solicitors LLP (SRA ID: 127795). This is a private defence website — NOT Kent Police.

If you or someone you know faces arrest, custody, or a voluntary interview under caution at a Kent police station, you may be entitled to free legal advice. Robert Cashman attends custody suites and voluntary interviews across Kent — including North Kent (Gravesend), Tonbridge, Medway, Maidstone, Canterbury and other stations — subject to availability.

For someone in current custody or a booked voluntary interview at a Kent station. Ask for Robert Cashman, Tuckers Duty Solicitor — the DSCC have our details.