Police interviewing and the use of appropriate adults

Abstract

Abstract Observation of all detainees at seven police stations in London provided information about police interview procedures. About 3 in 10 detainees were interviewed; this relatively low proportion is accounted for by the fact that half the population of detainees had been arrested for non-notifiable offences. Nine out of 10 interviews were carried out by officers of constable rank and less than 1 per cent by those above the rank of sergeant. The average interview lasted for about 15 minutes. Appropriate adults were used in only 13 cases concerning adult detainees - less than one case per week of observation. In respect of appropriate adults, it is suggested that future codes of practice should distinguish between the needs and requirements of juveniles and adult detainees who may be mentally disordered and that the term ‘appropriate adult' be replaced with that of ‘independent third party’ in respect of mentally disordered detainees. The first duty presently laid on appropriate adults in the codes of practice properly belongs to qualified legal advisers. At present, an appropriate adult may seek legal advice on behalf of a detainee but it is recommended that the law be changed to give police the duty to call a solicitor when they believe or suspect a detainee to be mentally handicapped or ill and that the purpose (and role) of any third party called on behalf of the detainee should be to provide social and psychological support and, if necessary, to facilitate communication.