Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) Practice Exa\

Under what condition can an appropriate adult be removed from an interview?

1. When they request to leave

2. When hindering the interview and authorized by a superintendent or above

3. When the suspect objects to their presence

4. When the interview is taking too long

The correct answer is: When hindering the interview and authorized by a superintendent or above

The correct condition under which an appropriate adult can be removed from an interview is when they are hindering the interview and this removal is authorized by a superintendent or above. The role of an appropriate adult is to safeguard the rights and welfare of vulnerable individuals during police interviews, typically involving minors or those with mental health issues. If the presence of the appropriate adult disrupts the interview process, it can be essential for law enforcement to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of the interview. In this situation, a superintendent or an officer of higher rank has the authority to make the decision to remove the appropriate adult, ensuring that the interview can proceed without further obstructions while still maintaining lawful oversight. The other scenarios, such as the appropriate adult requesting to leave, a suspect objecting to their presence, or the interview taking too long, do not provide valid grounds for removal based solely on those conditions. The removal must be justified by the actual hindrance to the interview’s purpose and anchored in the authority of a senior officer, emphasizing the critical balance between procedural fairness and the conduct of the interview.