Praide to serve

Postman Michael Praide, from our international logistics centre, is also an ‘appropriate adult’ with the Hertfordshire Youth Justice Service.

The role of an appropriate adult is to safeguard the interests, rights, entitlements and welfare of children and vulnerable people who are suspected of a criminal offence, by ensuring that they are treated in a fair and just manner and are able to participate effectively in procedures related to the investigation and/or their detention.

‘My role involves being on the on-call list for the police service,’ said Michael. ‘This includes the British Transport Police and the Metropolitan Police.

‘Whilst at the custody suite I am able to ensure that the detained person is treated fairly with dignity and respect (whatever the charge) under the guidance of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and its Codes of Practice (PACE).

‘Should the young person require help with any aspect of questioning I am able to explain, or indeed, breakdown the question into manageable chunks in a more youth-orientated fashion.’

Michael said that as a parent himself he is all too aware of the challenges faced by many young people.

‘I am deeply aware that some young people do not for whatever reason, have the luxury of guardians or parents who are able to represent them in the often-challenging environment that is a police station or detention suite,’ said Michael.

‘I have been on the appropriate adult list for two years now. My involvement and training with the appropriate adult team has empowered me to help others wherever I can, including at work.

‘I am on occasion, deeply honoured to be able to help these young people, and having the full backing of my unit manager, helps me to help others’.