Appropriate adult

This article is about the legal term. For the 2011 television series, see Appropriate Adult.

In English law, an appropriate adult is a parent, guardian or social worker; or if no person matching this is available, any responsible person over 18. The term was introduced as part of the policing reforms in the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and applies in England and Wales.[1]

In England and Wales, an appropriate adult must be called by police whenever they detain or interview a child (under the age of 18[2]) or vulnerable adult. They must be present for a range of police processes, including interviews, intimate searches and identification procedures, as detailed in the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) Codes of Practice, primarily Code C.[3]

  1. ^ Pierpoint, Harriet (2008). "Quickening the PACE? The use of volunteers as appropriate adults in England and Wales". Policing and Society. 18 (4): 397–410. doi:10.1080/10439460802094678. S2CID 144763633.
  2. ^ "Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015". www.legislation.gov.uk. Retrieved 22 December 2015.
  3. ^ UK Home Office. "Home Office Website - PACE Codes". Retrieved 12 February 2014.