ABSTRACT
This chapter examines how the appropriate adult safeguard is implemented for young suspects and how custody officers approach decisions on risk. Custody officers may, for various reasons, be incentivised or disincentivised to implement the appropriate adult safeguard. They may attempt to justify their decision not to implement the safeguard. The appropriate adult, by contrast, was largely viewed as independent. Yet, because solicitors or other legal representatives could act an ‘ally’, they were suitable appropriate adult replacements. Adopting a cynical view, one could argue that reliance on the HCP or other healthcare or medical professionals could absolve custody officers from blame for any errors in judgment, particularly where questions are raised at court. The seriousness of the offence and, connectedly, the venue for trial and the demands placed on the suspect are also taken into account when custody officers make their decisions.
