Norfolk Appropriate Adult Service (NAAS):
Supporting vulnerable adults and juveniles detained in Police Custody
What is an Appropriate Adult?
Juveniles and adults considered to be mentally vulnerable must have an ‘Appropriate Adult’ with them when they are interviewed by the police (Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984).
Appropriate Adults are independent of the Police. Their role is to ensure that vulnerable detainees understand what is happening to them, and why.
Key roles and responsibilities include:
- Provide support and advice, and assist the detained person, particularly when they are being questioned by the police
- Observe whether the police are acting ‘properly, fairly and with respect for the rights of the detained person’. And to tell them if you think they are not
- Assist with communication between the detained person and the police
How are Appropriate Adults provided in Norfolk?
All Appropriate Adults provided by this service are volunteers. We cover every Custody suite in the county: Norwich, Great Yarmouth, Thetford, North Walsham, Kings Lynn and Dereham. Most volunteers tend to work at their nearest Custody suite. The service operates 365 days of the year, from 7.30 am to 10.00 pm. Each day is broken down to 3 shifts: 7.30 am – 1.00 pm, 1.00 pm – 5.30 pm and 5.30 pm to 10.00 pm. We ask volunteers to commit themselves to one shift a week, as far as possible.
Who can become an Appropriate Adult, and what skills do they need?
In order to become an Appropriate Adult, you must be over 18 years of age. You must be able to communicate clearly (verbally and in writing), and to form good working relationships with a range of people. Before becoming an Appropriate Adult you will be required to complete a 2 day training course, and to spend a period of time ‘shadowing’ experienced volunteers in a police station.
What would I be expected to do as an Appropriate Adult?
- To be available when you are ‘on call’, and to attend the police station as quickly as possible (i.e. 30 minutes – 1 hour)
- Ensure that the detained person is treated fairly, according to the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984
- Facilitate communication between the police and the detained person
- Ensure that the detained person knows their rights and entitlements, which includes the right to free and independent legal advice
- Attend any police interviews with the detained person
- Give advice, where appropriate
- Liaise with other professionals (e.g. police, solicitors) as required
How do I apply?
Please contact the office to request an information pack. If you decide that you would like to pursue this further, you will be invited to attend an informal interview before completing your application pack. All volunteers are required to provide two references, and are subject to satisfactory CRB checks.
Contact details:
Norfolk Appropriate Adult Service
15 Manor Farm Barns
Framingham Pigot
Norwich
NR14 7PZ
Tel. 01508 491228
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