Summary

To act as an Appropriate Adult as defined by the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, 1984 for vulnerable adults (17 years or over) who are detained by the police.

Vulnerable adults are generally people who have a learning disability and/or a mental health problem.

The role includes:

• Facilitating communication between the vulnerable adult and the police.
• Ensuring that any procedure conducted by the police involving the custody of the vulnerable adult is carried out properly and fairly.
• Supporting and protecting the vulnerable adult in giving reliable evidence.
• Responding in a confidential manner to the needs of the vulnerable adult.

The selection process involves an interview, the receipt of satisfactory references, a police check, and the completion of a modular training programme.

Essential Criteria:

It is essential that you:

• Possess a full driving license and are willing to use your own transport for travel purposes
• Communicate clearly and effectively, particularly with the police and vulnerable adults.
• Will participate in an on-call system when available to do so.

Desirable Criteria:

It is useful if you possess:

• A basic understanding of the criminal justice system
• Experience of working with adults who have learning disabilities and/or mental health problems
• Some knowledge of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, 1984 and/or of the Mental Health Act, 1983.
• The ability to write clearly and concisely.