A training session for Independent Custody Visitors was held on Wednesday, 24 February at Slaugham Manor. The training was facilitated by Sarah Gates, Sussex Police Mental Health Liaison Officer, and Inspector Danny O'Neill, the ICV liaison representative and Custody Inspector for Hastings.

The training gave ICVs in-depth guidance on the different types of mental health and an understanding of the issues covering Sections 135 and 136 of the Mental Health Act.

At the request of some of the attendees, the session also covered the role of Appropriate Adults. The Police Authority granted money to get The Appropriate Adult Service (TAS) scheme running. ICVs had recently learned about this and we keen to find out more. An appropriate adult is someone who is completely independent of the police, and where possible, the interviewee. Appropriate Adults should have a sound understanding and experience of dealing with juveniles and mentally disordered people.

By providing an effective appropriate adult service, The Appropriate Adult Service ensures that unnecessary delays caused whilst in custody are considerably reduced. These delays often lead the interviewee to become unnecessarily stressed, and could in some instances influence the accused into making a premature confession.