Family Liaison

Question 1

Describe the primary function of the FLO?

Answer 1

The primary function of a 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

A family liaison plan should be recorded and contain:

Answer 2

• Selection of the FLO and criteria employed for the selection
• Exit plan for the FLO
• Objectives of the family liaison
• Assessing the most appropriate methods of conducting interviews with family members, including the use of specialist interviewers, where appropriate
• Information to be released to and withheld from the family
• Requests made by the family which have not been agreed to, and reasons for this
• Complaints made by the family and the OC Investigation’s action to progress and resolve the issues raised
• Any member of the family who could be considered a suspect, to enable the OC Investigation to determine whether or not this is the case
• Liaise with Victim Support and other support services

Question 3

When implementing the family liaison plan, the FLO should identify which family member(s) to liaise with at an early stage. Describe who the term ‘family’ relates to:

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 victim’s culture and lifestyle

Question 4

What should a FLO do in relation to a victim’s cultural origin?

Answer 4

The FLO should identify the cultural origins of the victim’s family and ensure they are familiar with relevant cultural beliefs and protocols, to enhance relations with the family and to contribute to the victim profile.

Question 5

In the case of a homicide or serious crime involving a Māori victim, an ILO must be engaged as early as possible. In what ways can the ILO provide assistance to the investigation?

Answer 5

An ILO will support an understanding and awareness of the Māori traditions, protocol, and beliefs, and enhance relations between the investigation, family of the deceased and the Māori community.

Question 6

In the case of homicide, who takes a VIS and how long before sentencing should they be obtained?

Answer 6

Homicide trained Victim Support volunteers are trained to assist Police by taking VIS from surviving family members.

The statement must be available for sentencing and should be no older than 28 days at the time of sentencing.