Appropriate Adult Service
An Appropriate Adult is someone trained to help people aged 16 or over who have a mental disorder when they are dealing with the police. This help is mainly about making sure the person can understand what’s going on and can communicate properly, especially during police interviews.
Who might need an Appropriate Adult?
People with:
- Mental health problems
- Learning disabilities
- Autism or ADHD
- Brain injuries
When is an Appropriate Adult used?
They are usually asked for by Police Scotland when someone is:
- Being interviewed as a victim, witness, or suspect
- Taking part in other police procedures, like medical exams, searches, or identity parades
Other agencies, like the British Transport Police or the Immigration Service, can also request one.
Note: They do not help people in court.
Only trained and approved people can be Appropriate Adults, and they cannot support anyone under 16.
What do Appropriate Adults do?
They:
- Help the person understand what’s happening and what they’re being asked
- Make sure the person knows their rights
- Support the person emotionally and help with communication
- Can ask for breaks if the person is overwhelmed or confused
- Suggest ways to improve communication, like changing the room setup
- Give a short report to the police after the interview about any concerns
They do not:
- Tell the person how to answer questions
- Argue with the police about the questions
- Be left alone with the person
- Sit in on private talks between the person and their lawyer
When is an Appropriate Adult needed?
The police decide if one is needed. Signs someone might need one include:
- Being very anxious or emotional
- Acting in a strange or confused way
- Having trouble understanding or answering questions
- Previous need for an Appropriate Adult
- Living in supported accommodation or taking medication for mental illness
If the police aren’t sure, they can ask simple background questions or talk to carers. If there’s still doubt, a doctor (police surgeon) will check if the person is fit to be interviewed.
Contact information
- If you have concerns or feedback, email: esws@southlanarkshire.gov.uk
- To request an Appropriate Adult, phone 01698 897711 (Mon–Thu, 8.45am–4.45pm)