Police and disabled people :Cross Stitch – Disabled people

If you’re detained by the police for an interview at a police station, you have the same rights as anyone else. Find out what help the police must offer you if you have a hearing, speech or learning disability.

If you’re deaf, have a hearing impairment or speech difficulties the police should arrange for an interpreter to be present. They should not interview you until the interpreter is present. They can interview you without an interpreter if a delay would result in a risk of harm to people, property, or evidence.

The police should only interview someone who has a learning disability when a responsible person (referred to as an ‘appropriate adult’) is present. This person should not be employed by the police and should be experienced in dealing with people with learning disabilities. It could be a relative of the person who is interviewed or someone responsible for their care.

If you have a learning disability, the police should not interview you until a responsible person is present. They can interview you without an interpreter if a delay would result in a risk of harm to people, property, or evidence.

If you’re detained, you’re entitled to a medical examination by a healthcare worker. This may be a paramedic, nurse or a police surgeon who is sometimes know as a Forensic Medical Examiner. You may also be examined by a general practitioner (GP) that you choose, if they are available. You may have to pay for this, however. This will be formally recorded.