Custody Officers, Code C and Constructing Vulnerability: Implications for Policy and Practice

Abstract

This article addresses one of the issues with Code C to the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984 — how vulnerability is defined for the purposes of implementing the appropriate adult safeguard. The article draws upon qualitative data (observation of and semi-structured interviews with custody officers) to assess how custody officers define vulnerability. It illustrates why custody officers may experience difficulty in identifying vulnerability, drawing upon a problem that I have previously identified. Yet, it goes further than previous discussion by also offering suggestions for policymakers and practitioners.

Keywords: vulnerability, custody, PACE, appropriate adult