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Key police conference at Newforge Country Club

Thu, 13 - November - 2025

On 8th October 2025 Stanley Booth Manager of NIAAS & Carolyn Hall Appropriate Adult attended a key police conference at Newforge Country Club attended by over one hundred delegates from all aspects of the criminal justice process, including the public prosecution service.

Stanley was a guest speaker gave an overview of the appropriate adult role in police custody and how we support vulnerable people accused of a crime. The aim of the conference was to highlight and create a better awareness of the vulnerabilities people who engage with police in investigations may have.

The conference was opened by the Investigative Training, Crime Faculty staff, followed by guest speakers:

  • Dr John Taggart Director of the Institute of Criminology and Criminal Justice (ICCJ) QUB School of Law
  • Stanley Booth MBE Manager of the Northern Ireland Appropriate Adult Scheme
  • Representatives of the Registered Intermediary team working in police custody suites.

It included question and answer sessions during which the role of the Appropriate Adult and Registered Intermediary was examined. We are pleased to say that there was an input in relation to Trauma Informed Practice within the custody and interview setting and post-conviction in the community.

Overall the day was a success with improved learning in recognising and managing people with vulnerabilities and how this can produce better criminal justice outcomes, the Police Service of Northern Ireland are to be commended for their efforts in arranging the conference, and as MindWise staff we were able to address one of our goals of raising awareness of mental health conditions and mental health well-being.

 

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