Surrey Appropriate Adult Volunteer Service (SAAVS)

The Council has a statutory duty under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) and the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 to provide Appropriate Adults for children and vulnerable adults in police custody where a parent, guardian or other suitable adult is unavailable. Appropriate Adults safeguard the rights, welfare and interests of detainees, support communication and understanding of legal processes, and help ensure police procedures are conducted fairly and lawfully.