NCJ Number
190109
Journal
Howard Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 40 Issue: 3 Dated: August 2001 Pages: 255-271
Editor(s)
David Wilson,
Tony Fowles
Date Published
August 2001
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This article discussed criticisms of social workers’ and parents’ performances in the role of "appropriate adults" (safe guarding a young suspect during a police interview) and described the volunteer appropriate adult survey, presented survey findings, and the implications of volunteer appropriate adult "call outs" or arranged visits to the police station in lieu of parents or social workers.
Abstract
The "appropriate adult" is intended to safeguard the interests of the young suspect while he/she is detained or being questioned by police officers. The role of the appropriate adult during the police interview was defined by the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, in England and Wales. Before considering the contributions of a volunteer "appropriate adult" to the police interview, this article discussed those criticisms of parents and social workers acting as "appropriate adults" in the police interview and then investigated the performance of the volunteers. A survey was conducted using a self-completion questionnaire and findings were based off the first 75 completed. It was examined whether the volunteers surveyed addressed the shortcomings of parents and social workers in the police interview, as appropriate adults, and acted as intended in the appropriate adult role. Previous studies of parents and social workers acting as appropriate adults found the levels of contributions in police interviews were minimal. When they did contribute, their contributions did not comply with the requirements of the role. Volunteers who participated in the survey reported a higher level of contribution. It was noted that the survey alone as an indicator was inadequate. It was recommended that organizations ensure that volunteers possess and retain the necessary knowledge and confidence to perform the appropriate adult role and possibly be subjected to central regulation to ensure good practice universally. References