In exceptional circumstances, who can overrule a child's right to have a solicitor present during an interview?

In exceptional circumstances, an Inspector not connected to the case has the authority to overrule a child's right to have a solicitor present during an interview. This aspect of the law is designed to balance the right of the child to legal representation with the need for effective law enforcement, particularly in situations where there might be urgent matters requiring immediate attention.

The rationale behind allowing an Inspector, specifically one who is not involved in the case, to make this decision is to ensure that there is an objective assessment regarding the necessity of overriding the child's right. This helps to prevent conflicts of interest and maintains impartiality in the decision-making process. Situations that might warrant such an action could include scenarios where immediate action is necessary to prevent serious harm.

The other roles listed, such as a Police Constable, the charging officer, or the child's guardian, do not have the same authority to make this decision, ensuring that such significant exceptions to rights are managed by a more senior, uninvolved party.