Appropriate Adults Provided for Vulnerable People Who are Questioned under Caution by the Police: Implications for Public Policy in the Criminal Justice Review in Northern Ireland

Abstract

Although the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and equivalent provisions in Northern Ireland (PACE NI Order 1989) provide powers of arrest, search and detention, it is the codes of practice, which are associated with the provisions that are of particular relevance to vulnerable adult and juvenile detainees.

The focus of this paper is on the protection that the codes of practice offer to two classes of detained person: those who are aged 17 years and below and those adults who are mentally vulnerable according to the definitions established in the code.

The current system in Northern Ireland is facing a number of challenges and the introduction of an independently managed volunteer- based scheme funded by central government and which is considered herein, would address many of the current concerns

The authors wish to acknowledge the kind help of Chief Inspector Kevin Lea (Derbyshire Constabulary).