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Appropriate Adult volunteers help vulnerable adults in police custody

26 July 2012 saw the start of a brand new service across Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole. Dorset Advocacy’s Appropriate Adult Service recruits, trains and supports independent volunteers to safeguard the interests of vulnerable adults being questioned in police custody.

The Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) created the role of Appropriate Adult to ensure that adults who have learning disabilities or mental health problems who are questioned in police custody:

 Have support, particularly while they are being questioned

 Are treated properly, fairly and respectfully by the police

 Can communicate effectively with the police

 Understand their rights

Appropriate Adults can be friends or family members.  Sometimes, however, there is no one who can be called upon – and this is where Dorset Advocacy’s new scheme fills the gap.

The scheme operates from 8am to 10pm, seven days per week.  Two volunteer Appropriate Adults plus a Dorset Advocacy manager cover each shift; shifts run from 8am to 2pm and from 2pm to 10pm.  Volunteers receive full training for their role, ongoing support and supervision, plus travel and out of pocket expenses.

The scheme is led by Julie Moverley, who has worked for Dorset Advocacy since 2005 and has already done much to develop Dorset Advocacy’s work with the Police and other criminal justice agencies.

We are now recruiting volunteer Appropriate Adults.  To apply you should:

 Be over 18 years of age

 Have regular use of a car, or access to good transport networks

 Be calm, courteous and able to communicate well

 Be committed to upholding the rights of vulnerable adults and the integrity of the law

 Able to offer a minimum of two shifts most weeks

All applicants will need to provide the names of two referees, and will need to complete an Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) clearance.

To find out more about becoming an Appropriate Adult, please contact Julie Moverley on  01305 251033.        

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