Overview
I am currently working towards a PhD in Law focusing on the Appropriate adult (AA) safeguard for vulnerable suspects in police custody, across England and Wales.
My research interests in vulnerability and policing stem from my work experiences, I have previously been a volunteer Appropriate adult in police custody supporting vulnerable suspects. After this, I went onto run an AA scheme, a role I held up until starting my MSc at Cardiff (as part of the 1 + 3 programme). During this role, I managed volunteers, staff and liaised with local authorities and the police, to support vulnerable people in custody. I also ran another service concurrently, which supported seperated children arriving into the country.
I am extremely passionate about supporting vulnerable suspects in police custody, and making sure they are afforded their rights and entitlements, but that they are also supported to use them if they wish to do so. I am excited to start my PhD and bring in my experiences as a practitioner, and combining this with academic research to hopefully produce not only my thesis, but impact for the AA service and those it supports.
Research
Thesis
Conceptualising and identifying vulnerability and interpreting the appropriate adult safeguard
My thesis will explore the appropriate adult (AA) safeguard, as set out in the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (1984) Codes of Practice, specifically Code C, which sets out guidance around the detention, treatment and questioning of suspects. The role of the AA is designed to provide an additional safeguard to suspects who are considered vulnerable, such as children and those over 18 with additional needs (this does not necessarily mean a diagnosis, and can mean a lack of understanding of the situation they are in).
Vulnerable suspects are more at risk in police custody than other suspects, as they may not understand information, therefore may waive their legal rights, or incriminate themselves, without meaning to do so - which may lead to life long consequences. Despite the AA safeguard being a statutory requirement for vulnerable suspects, provision across England and Wales is incredibly varied, and there is no statutory requirement for any agency or organisation to provide AAs for vulnerable adults (for children the responsibility lies with the local authority to ensure an AA is provided). Whilst the topic has been explored in research, it is incredibly underdeveloped compared to other parts of the criminal justice system and there is a gap between academia and practice.
My thesis will aim to combine policy, practice and academia, by exploring how effective the AA safeguard in protecting vulnerable suspects, and give an account of the current challenges faced by AAs when undertaking their role, both essential to making sure the safeguard is working to protect those most vulnerable in police custody.
Biography
Honours and awards
MSc Social Science Research Methods. 2023. Cardiff University.
MSc Forensic and Investigative Psychology. Distinction. 2022. Canterbury Christ Church University.
BSc Psychology with Hons. 2:1. University of Westminster.
Professional memberships
Graduate Member of the British Psychological Society.
