Description
Code of Practice C of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 establishes that suspects who are vulnerable (juveniles or vulnerable adults) should receive the safeguard of an appropriate adult (AA). 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). The custody officer is normally responsible for determining whether an AA is required and then arranging for the AA to attend the police station (Dehaghani, 2019). While the identification of vulnerability may prove difficult in some circumstances, research has found that AAs are not always obtained, even when a potential vulnerability has been identified (Dehaghani, 2019).This paper will draw examine the findings obtained from a multiple case study which explored how vulnerable suspects were detained and interviewed by detectives on homicide investigations in England and Wales. Methods utilised included a review of custody record documentation, analysis of recorded police suspect interview, and semi-structured interviews with detectives, AAs and legal advisors.
This research identified that detectives were actively involved in deciding upon and obtaining the AA. However, while many detectives appeared cognisant of a range of factors which could result in someone being vulnerable, AAs were not always obtained when required. Furthermore, in some areas, detectives specifically chose the AA they wanted to participate in their suspect interviews, which resulted in a close working relationship between the detective and AA. The implications for practice will be explored, noting the independence of the AA.
required, and, if needed, how an AA is obtained, and the risks involved in this. The paper will discuss the extent to which officers, other than custody officers, obtain AAs in cases involving vulnerable suspects, their understanding of vulnerability and the inherent tension in being responsible for both investigating alleged offences and ensuring the implementation of safeguards against themselves.
Period | 13 Sept 2024 |
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Event title | European Society of Criminology 2024 |
Event type | Conference |
Keywords
- police interviewing
- appropriate adult
- vulneraiblity