Key takeaways
longer. In addition, the revision of the Letter of Rights should be accompanied by training to enhance
intellectual disability awareness.
Training for police developed by the research team headed by Prof Gautam Gulati focusses on the identification
of suspects and accused persons in a vulnerable situation, effective communication, the provision of
information and support to the detainee in a vulnerable situation. The research team has developed a Letter
of Rights accessible for persons with intellectual disabilities and further steps are currently under discussion.
Moreover, training modules were developed and implemented and the scope of target groups is planned to
be adjusted and will possibly also include lawyers.
Plain language and alternative formats do not devalue
information contained in the letter of rights
During the project consultations, the dilemma emerged between the need to provide information as
legally comprehensive as possible and the accessibility of such information for suspects, especially
children and people with intellectual and/or psychosocial disabilities. The problem could be solved
for example by providing the plain language Letter of Rights in addition to the more comprehensive
version.
Nonetheless, one of the key takeaways of the project consultations and the findings emerging from
the several pilot initiatives across Europe is that the use of plain language and/or pictograms does not
devalue information, rather it makes it more likely to achieve its very aim: making suspects effectively
aware of their rights.
To ensure that suspects are effectively provided
with quality written and oral information in plain
language, processes should be established which are
informed by multidisciplinarity, collaboration,
suspects involvement, evidence based research and
accompanied by regular and independent evaluations
and capacity building
In the framework of this project, several promising practices across Europe were surveyed and
analysed. As a result, we could identify the following key learnings:
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•
The process leading to the development of plain language information should be collaborative
and driven by a multidisciplinary group of stakeholders, including plain language experts,
police officers from different ranks, speech and language therapists, experts in communication,
psychologists, ethicists, legal academics, representative of the ministry of justice and interior. This
will ensure that all the relevant perspectives are considered from the beginning and that those
stakeholders directly involved in the notification of rights feel heard and perceive the process as
beneficial.
•
Suspects and representatives of persons who may be in a particularly vulnerable
situation, such as children and persons with intellectual and/or psychosocial disabilities should
also be involved in the revision or development of written information or guidance documents
for oral information. Their involvement will bring a better understanding of their current needs.
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