Digital Legal Rights: Police Station App for Voluntary Interviews
When testing the prototype App with detainees it was evident from a number of issues raised that changes needed to be made to improve access to legal advice.
It was also difficult to incorporate into the App information on a range of topics which is of interest to detainees. Accordingly, a new prototype is to be developed to be used by the police when dealing with suspects during voluntary interviews. An interdisciplinary approach has been adopted with Dr Vicky Kemp bringing together a local project team comprising the police, defence solicitors and the Legal Aid Agency.
The App is intended to be used not only by suspects in informing them of their legal rights, but also by the police, with guidance taking officers through how to deal with suspects during voluntary interviews. The University of Nottingham has provided funding to design and develop a new prototype App and to set up a website outlining suspects’ legal rights. Through the website, different ways of delivering this information will be tested, with policy makers, practitioners and members of the public, particularly children and young people, being encouraged to participate.
For further details see drvickykemp.com