A new initiative has been launched in London aimed at providing necessary support to vulnerable individuals during their interactions with the police, marking the first-ever London-wide scheme of its kind. This new service will fund independent "appropriate adults" who will assist those deemed vulnerable during police encounters, including police searches, interviews, and eyewitness identification procedures.
Under UK law, it is required for any child or adult assessed as vulnerable to have access to these appropriate adults during police interviews, ensuring their interests and rights are protected. A person is considered vulnerable if they are determined by law enforcement to be susceptible to confusion or compliance, potentially leading to unreliable statements or self-incrimination. This encompasses individuals with mental health issues, learning disabilities, and other such conditions.
Previously, no single agency was responsible for providing appropriate adults within London, leading to gaps and delays, as highlighted by City Hall. This fragmentation caused significant pressure on resources and inconsistencies in support for vulnerable individuals. The newly launched service aims to rectify these shortcomings, ensuring timely access to necessary support. The Mayor's office expressed hope this will lead to fair treatment of vulnerable individuals, allowing them the opportunity to effectively engage with police procedures.
London’s Mayor, Sir Sadiq Khan, emphasized the importance of this support, stating, “Providing eye-witness statements and giving voluntary police interviews can be an extremely stressful time for anyone, so it is vitally important the right support is available for those who are vulnerable.” He added the initiative would cut down delays often encountered during custody processes, which can carry significant emotional, practical, and financial burdens on those involved.
Data released by the mayor's office indicates the demand for appropriate adults has surged by 10% from the years 2022 to 2023, compared to 2019 to 2020. Notably, during the latter year, over 18,511 adults assessed as vulnerable engaged with police custody interviews, underscoring the continued relevance and necessity of establishing this supportive structure.
The service is timed perfectly to align with the Metropolitan Police's intention to exit special measures, taking heed of Baroness Casey’s 2023 review which identified concerns around institutional misogyny, racism, and homophobia within the force. Reinforcing this initiative, Geraldine Evans, director of Appropriate Adults UK (AAUK), remarked, “Our role as appropriate adults is…essential for safeguarding the rights and wellbeing of vulnerable individuals. This partnership ensures they receive the necessary support to successfully navigate the complex criminal justice system.”
Evans elaborated on the initiative's broader vision, explaining it reflects the shared commitment of the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC), the Metropolitan Police, and AAUK. “The initiative promotes a standardised approach to service delivery,” she noted, “guaranteeing all vulnerable adults receive equal levels of professional care and support.”
This innovative program not only enhances the procedural protections for vulnerable individuals during police interactions but also aims to build trust within the community. With this scheme, the Mayor’s office hopes to instill confidence among vulnerable populations, assuring them they will be treated fairly and justly during potentially traumatic legal encounters. The effective implementation of this appropriate adult scheme is envisioned as pivotal for fostering improvement within policing and contributing to the creation of safer environments for all Londoners, especially those who may feel marginalized or unsupported.