Notice to Appropriate Adult

Information

Attending police’s enquiry or being detained in police custody may be a stressful experience, even to a normal person. When people with mental health problems come into contact with the Police, it is likely that they will have already been through a distressing experience which will often exacerbate their symptoms. For mentally incapacitated persons (MIPs), it would help overcome their unease, better address their needs and facilitate communication if someone whom they trust or has experience taking care of them is allowed to become their companion in the process.

As a caring organization, we value and attach priority to the rights and welfare of the public. It has been our longstanding practice to invite appropriate adults to provide support to MIPs involved in police’s enquiries. To help appropriate adults understand their roles and responsibilities, we have come up with a “Notice to Appropriate Adults”. With clearly defined roles and responsibilities outlined in the Notice, we aim to better equip appropriate adults to provide the best support to MIPs.

DOWNLOAD NOTICE TO ‘APPROPRIATE ADULT’ FOR PERSON ASSISTING/UNDER POLICE ENQUIRY/IN POLICE CUSTODY WHO IS MENTALLY INCAPACITATED OR AGED UNDER 16

DOWNLOAD NOTICE TO PERSONS IN POLICE CUSTODY OR INVOLVED IN POLICE ENQUIRIES

Who can be Appropriate Adults

  • A relative, guardian or other person responsible for care or custody of the MIP;
  • Someone who has experience of handling a person with special needs; or
  • If the above persons cannot be located, a responsible adult who is not a police officer nor employed by the police.

Roles of Appropriate Adults

  • Provide emotional support and assistance to the subject. You may also inform the police the welfare matters related to him/her;
  • Help the subject understand his/her rights;
  • Act as a witness to observe whether any police interview / investigative procedure is being conducted fairly;
  • Inform police of the subject’s medication and medical needs, if any; and
  • Facilitate communication between police and the subject, including informing police of his/her communication needs, if any.