My child has been arrested and is under 18
All under 18's have the right to have an Appropriate Adult during interviews in custody.
An Appropriate Adult is a person who assists children and vulnerable individuals suspected of a criminal offence. An Appropriate Adult can be a parent, guardian, social worker, or any responsible person over the age of 18 who is not connected with the suspected offence.
Their role is to safeguard the DPs interests, rights and welfare, ensuring fair treatment during questioning and searching. They are not there to provide the person with legal advice and must not attempt to do so.
Please see the short video below for further information on what it is to be an appropriate adult.
Normally, a person can be held in custody for up to 24 hours without charge.
DPs are treated in accordance with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE), and the PACE Codes of Practice. The police treat detained persons fairly and reasonably and will endeavour to deal with them expeditiously and to release them as soon as the need for person to be detained no longer applies.