Mayor Sadiq Khan has unveiled a new £5.4 million initiative to ensure vulnerable adults across London receive timely support when in contact with the police. The first-ever citywide scheme will

provide independent appropriate adults to safeguard the rights, welfare, and fair treatment of those who require assistance during police proceedings, including voluntary interviews and eyewitness testimonies.

This initiative is part of a broader package of measures from City Hall aimed at improving the Metropolitan Police’s service to all Londoners. It builds on ongoing efforts to help the Met exit special measures and aligns with recommendations from Baroness Casey’s review into the force’s culture and standards.

Addressing gaps in safeguarding support

In the UK, it is a legal requirement for both children and vulnerable adults to have an independent appropriate adult present during police interviews. However, until now, London has lacked a unified approach to providing this support, leading to inconsistencies, delays, and increased pressure on police resources. The new service will bridge these gaps, ensuring all vulnerable individuals receive the assistance they need.

This initiative complements existing work by the Metropolitan Police and the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) to strengthen trust and fairness through the Commissioner’s New Met for London Plan.

Rising demand for appropriate adults

Recent figures highlight the growing need for such a service, with demand for appropriate adults rising by 10% between 2019 and 2023. More than 18,500 adults were assessed as vulnerable during police custody or voluntary interviews within this period, reinforcing the urgency for a structured and consistent support system.

Vulnerable individuals are those whom police officers identify as being prone to confusion, compliance, or unintentional self-incrimination. The new service will ensure they are treated fairly, fostering greater trust in the judicial process.

Supporting mental health and learning disabilities

The scheme will particularly benefit adults with mental health conditions and learning difficulties, offering them dedicated support during key police procedures, such as interviews, searches, and eyewitness identification processes.

Investing in a safer, fairer London

This £5.4 million fund represents the latest in the Mayor’s record investment in the Met Police, aimed at raising standards, enhancing performance, and rebuilding public confidence. By ensuring vulnerable individuals are properly safeguarded, this initiative reinforces London’s commitment to a policing system that is just, effective, and fair for all.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Providing eye-witness statements and giving voluntary police interviews can be an extremely stressful time for anyone, so it is vital that the right support is available for those who are vulnerable and need assistance to help them understand their situation and ensure they are treated fairly and appropriately.

“My new London-wide appropriate adult scheme will guarantee timely access to the right support, reducing delays in custody which can have huge emotional, practical as well as financial cost.

“The service will also ensure that those from vulnerable communities have the confidence that they will be treated fairly, be believed, and can ultimately trust our policing and judicial system, which is vital to building a safer, fairer London for everyone.”

Geraldine Evans, Director of AAUK, said: "Our role as Appropriate Adults is essential in safeguarding the rights and wellbeing of vulnerable individuals. This partnership ensures they receive the necessary support to successfully navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system.

“The initiative underscores the shared commitment of MOPAC, MPS, and AAUK to uphold the rights of vulnerable individuals, promoting a standardised approach to service delivery, and guaranteeing that all vulnerable adults receive equal levels of professional care and support.”

 Chris Bath, Chief Executive at National Appropriate Adult Network (NAAN), said: “Across the country, the lack of a legal duty to provide appropriate adults for vulnerable adults in police custody continues to undermine fairness and justice—a national issue left unaddressed for over 40 years.

“This inspiring example of local leadership will enhance police efficiency while ensuring vulnerable Londoners have access to high-quality, independent support to protect their rights and welfare.”

Alex Hawkins, CEO of The Appropriate Adult Service Ltd, said: “The Appropriate Adult Service (TAAS) is delighted to be working with MOPAC to provide essential support for vulnerable adults in police custody across London. MOPAC’s leadership in ensuring the provision of appropriate adults for vulnerable individuals marks a significant step forward.

“By working in partnership with The National Appropriate Adult Network and key figures within the criminal justice system, they are strengthening the campaign to secure statutory protection for all vulnerable adults.” Photo by U.S. Embassy London, Wikimedia commons.