The Continuing Story of the ‘Appropriate Adult’

Examines the evolution and present role of the ‘appropriate adult’ attending police interviews with ‘vulnerable’ suspects as defined in the Codes of Practice to the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984. In particular it explores the role as played by local authority social workers, the training and experience that prepares them for this role and whether changes are needed in the light of the 1993 Royal Commission on Criminal Justice findings.