6 - Familiy Liaison

Question 1

Role of the FLO

Answer 1

involves the day to day management of the partnership between the family of the deceased and the Police investigation. The primary function of an FLO is that of an investigator and not a support person. However in performing this role, the FLO must also offer, facilitate and co-ordinate support that addresses the needs of the family.

Question 2

What things should a family liaison plan consider?

Answer 2

• Selection of the FLO and criteria employed for the selection
• exit plan for the FLO
• objectives of the family liaison
• most appropriate methods of conducting interviews with family members
• information to be released to and withheld from the family
• requests made by the family that have not been agreed to and the reasons for this

Question 3

Define ‘family’

Answer 3

• includes partners, parents, siblings, children, guardians, whanau and any others who have had a direct and close relationship with the victim
• includes chosen family
• should reflect the victims culture and lifestyle

Question 4

Before meeting with the family, the FLO must…

Answer 4

• Liaise with OC investigation about parameters of information to be shared
• familiarise themselves with the enquiry
• familiarise themselves with all information concerning the family
• Establish what contact family has had with Police since the incident
• establish what information has been given to the family

Question 5

As an investigator, the FLO will normally be responsible for…

Answer 5

profiling the victim, preparing a family tree and gathering all relevant information from the family. This may include, in conjunction with the OC body, taking statements to identify the victim.

Question 6

Victim impact statement

Answer 6

Should be available for sentencing and no older than 28 days at time of sentencing