17-year-olds in police custody will now have a right to an "appropriate
adult".
What is an "appropriate adult"?
The role of the "appropriate adult" was introduced under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and its purpose is to support and advise a young person or vulnerable adult in police custody and facilitate communication between them and the police.
The appropriate adult is not a lawyer and is often a young person's parent, guardian or friend, but can also be a volunteer or social or health care professional. It is the responsibility of the police officer to identify a young person on arrest and ensure that he or she has an appropriate adult present before questioning commences.
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