Abstract

As a concept ‘vulnerability’ can be referred to as a buzzword across various spaces, including criminal justice. Within UK custody suites in particular, the term plays a crucial role as an indicator and mechanism to action the safeguarding protocol, the appropriate adult in alignment with the Police Crime and Evidence Act (1984). This presentation will introduce the role of the appropriate adult within police custody suites, as well as the initiatives behind this role in relation to safeguarding vulnerable populations in the UK. Reflections from the Northumbria Local Appropriate Adult Scheme, founded in partnership with the University of Sunderland and Northumbria Police Force, will be included to provide real-life contexts and observations of seeing and supporting neurodiverse individuals in criminal justice.