The purpose of the Appropriate Adult is to:
- Advise detainees of their rights and ensure those rights are being upheld
- Observe the interview to ensure it is being conducted fairly – intervening if necessary
- Facilitate good communication between all parties
- Ensure welfare needs are being met and that detainees are safeguarded whilst in police custody.
We’ve held the contract to provide the AA service in Suffolk for 18 years and earlier this year were awarded the contract to deliver the service in Norfolk by Norfolk County Council. The new contract “went live” on the 1st October 2018 and we are getting to know all our new AAs and Norfolk Constabulary colleagues.
The role of the AA is supported by our volunteer workforce who attend interviews at the Police Investigation Centres in Ipswich, Gorleston, Bury St Edmunds, Aylesham, Wymondham and King’s Lynn.
. We also attend Benefit Fraud Investigation interviews throughout Norfolk and Suffolk by arrangement.