Appropriate Adult Scheme 2014

Madam, when vulnerable persons are detained and interviewed by the Police, they often do not understand the questions, the significance and the intent of the questions asked, nor the significance of their replies due to their mental state or capacity. These persons are not limited to only children or those with intellectual disabilities. They include those with other learning difficulties like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and high-functioning ones with Asperger Syndrome and others with mental or personality issues.

The Appropriate Adult (AA) Scheme is a common feature in progressive police and criminal justice systems. For instance, in the United Kingdom, the role of an AA was created alongside the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984. The AA supports, advises and assists the vulnerable person especially during police interviews.

In Singapore, a workgroup comprising members from the Law Society, the Attorney General Office, Bedok Police Station and several others started a pilot programme. They convinced a group of volunteers to sign up to support AAs. The feedback is overwhelmingly positive. I seek the approval of the official adoption and funding of an Appropriate Adult Scheme by the Ministry and to include (i) all key disabilities, and (ii) across all Police Divisions.