What is an Appropriate Adult?

The law requires that an appropriate adult is present whenever a young person aged 10-16 or a vulnerable adult is being interviewed by the police. Most often this role is undertaken by the parent or carer. When the parent or carer is not present, Kent Police call for one of our volunteers.

The role of the volunteer appropriate adult is to ensure that the detained person understands their rights and entitlements whilst they are in custody (e.g. to obtain free legal advice) and that the police follow the procedures laid down in the Police & Criminal Evicence Act code of practice.

The role also involves facilitating communication between the police and the detained person.