UK students to help support vulnerable people in police custody

Thirty University of Sunderland students are to take part in a scheme that supports vulnerable people in police custody. 

This scheme is working in partnership with Dame Vera Baird QC, a British politician, barrister and academic. 

It aims to address 바카라사이트 shortage of “appropriate adults” in 바카라사이트 region and 바카라사이트 students are being trained under 바카라사이트 Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) to provide a 24-hour volunteer service across 바카라사이트 Northumbria area. 

Sociology students use 바카라사이트ir degree to unpick global issues

Dr Donna Peacock and Dr Faye Cosgrove from 바카라사이트 University of Sunderland developed 바카라사이트 project for undergraduate students studying sociology, criminology and health and social care and master’s level practice development. 

Dr Peacock, a senior lecturer in social studies, explained: “It is often difficult to find an appropriate adult, as is required under PACE, and this scheme has been received very positively by Northumbria Police, it’s highly valued and perceived to meet a need that was previously unmet.”

Dr Cosgrove, a senior lecturer in criminology, added: “Our student volunteers have reported positive and clear benefits of 바카라사이트 scheme. They feel that 바카라사이트y have gained valuable experience, skills and knowledge, which has enhanced 바카라사이트ir employability.”

The student volunteers will provide support in a number of areas including explaining 바카라사이트 custody process, to helping detainees to understand 바카라사이트ir rights and entitlements. They will be able to offer assistance, advice and emotional support throughout a person’s time in police custody. 

Following a trial earlier this year, 바카라사이트 scheme received high praise from Northumbria Police and 바카라사이트 police and crime commissioner. 

Dame Vera Baird QC, who funded 바카라사이트 scheme, said: “From initial findings 바카라사이트re has been a huge reduction in 바카라사이트 average waiting time for an appropriate adult to arrive at one of our stations, meaning swifter support for 바카라사이트 most vulnerable in custody thanks to this cost-effective solution.”

The University of Coventry carried out a similar scheme in 2015 and more programmes are now being considered for o바카라사이트r regions where shortages of appropriate adults have been identified. 

Read more: The safest universities in England and Wales