I don't work for the police. Police Station Agent is run by Defence Legal Services Ltd. When I act for you, I do so as a solicitor at Tuckers Solicitors LLP (SRA number 592449).
If police want to interview your child under 18, PACE Code C requires an appropriate adult for interviews and safeguards around legal advice. A solicitor isn't compulsory, but legal advice at the police station stage is free and strongly advisable. Arrange an appropriate adult and a solicitor before any interview.
1) Appropriate adult
PACE Code C paragraph 1.5 defines a juvenile as anyone under 18. Paragraph 1.7 lists who may act as an appropriate adult. When a juvenile is brought to a police station, the custody officer must inform the appropriate adult and ask them to attend (paragraph 3.17). Paragraph 11.15 provides that a juvenile must not be interviewed regarding their involvement or suspected involvement in a criminal offence in the absence of an appropriate adult, except as provided in paragraphs 11.1 and 11.18 to 11.20. Parents may act if they meet paragraph 1.7, but an independent adult is sometimes preferable. Discuss it with a solicitor. See appropriate adult guide.
2) Right to a solicitor
PACE section 58 protects the right to consult a solicitor. A child isn't forced to see a solicitor, but the appropriate adult may ask for a solicitor on the child’s behalf (Code C paragraph 6.5A). Police station legal advice for interviews isn't means-tested at this stage. Arranging a solicitor before interview is strongly advisable.
Can police question a 16 or 17 year old without a parent?
Short answer: not in a formal interview, except in urgent cases. Under Code C, anyone who appears to be under 18 is treated as a juvenile unless there's clear evidence they're older (paragraph 1.5). That includes 16 and 17 year olds. A juvenile must not be interviewed about suspected involvement in an offence, or asked to give or sign a written statement, without an appropriate adult present, unless the urgent-interview rules apply (paragraph 11.15).
The appropriate adult doesn't have to be a parent. Paragraph 1.7 lists, in order: a parent or guardian (or the local authority or voluntary organisation if the child is in care), a social worker, or failing these another responsible adult aged 18 or over who isn't a police officer or employed by the police. A parent shouldn't act if they're a witness, the victim, involved in the investigation, or heard the child admit the offence (Note 1B).
Urgent interviews. An interview without an appropriate adult at a police station can only take place if an officer of superintendent rank or above believes delay would lead to the risks in paragraph 11.1 (interference with or harm to evidence or people, serious loss of or damage to property, alerting other suspects, or hindering the recovery of property) and is satisfied the interview wouldn't significantly harm the child's physical or mental state (paragraph 11.18). Questioning must stop once the risk is averted (11.19), and the reasons must be recorded (11.20).
Street questions are different. Police may ask questions in the street, for example to find out what has happened, without that being an interview. Once there are grounds to suspect the young person of an offence, questions about their involvement must be put under caution, and the appropriate adult rules apply. Code C 11.16 says juveniles may only be interviewed at school in exceptional circumstances and with the head teacher's (or nominee's) agreement.
Free legal advice. A 16 or 17 year old can ask for a solicitor themselves. The appropriate adult can also ask for one on their behalf, but the young person can't be forced to see the solicitor if they're adamant they don't want to (paragraphs 3.19 and 6.5A). Legal advice shouldn't be delayed waiting for the appropriate adult to arrive.
3) What parents should do
- Don't discuss the allegation with the child or tell them what to say on the way to the station.
- Contact a duty solicitor immediately.
- Confirm an appropriate adult will attend.
- Keep paperwork and custody details.
See youth custody rights and PACE Code C.
Related guides
Sources
Sources checked: 1 October 2026.
- Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984: legislation.gov.uk
- PACE Code C 2023: GOV.UK
- SRA register: Tuckers Solicitors LLP (592449)
- GOV.UK: If you're arrested: your rights
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. Don't rely on this page instead of advice from a qualified solicitor. If you believe something is incorrect, contact us to report a content error. Legal services are provided by Tuckers Solicitors LLP (SRA number 592449).