Family Liaison

Question 1

Role of the family liaison officer (FLO):

Answer 1

The role of the Family Liaison Officer (FLO) 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

List the duties of the family liaison officer in the role as an investigator?

Answer 2

• profiling the victim,
• preparing a family tree, and
• gathering all relevant information from the family.

This may include, taking statements to identify the victim.

Question 3

Once a family liaison plan has been formulated it must be reviewed in consultation with the family liaison officer at regular intervals. Describe four matters that the plan should consider?

Answer 3

AL COSIES

A. Assessing the most appropriate methods of conducting interviews with family members, including the use of specialist interviewers, where appropriate
L. liaison with Victim Support and other support services

C. complaints made by the family and the O/C investigations actions to progress and resolve issues raised
O. Objectives of the family liaison
S. Selection of the FLO and criteria employed for the selection
I. information to be released to and withheld from the family
E. Exit plan for the FLO
S. any member of family who could be considered a suspect, to enable O/C investigation to determine whether or not this is the case

Question 4

When a family member is a suspect the OC Investigation must review the plan regularly which should consider:

Answer 4

REDS IWI DIMP

R• whether or not the FLO will reside with the family.
E• Possibility of deploying a more experienced FLO
D• importance of fully document all contact and interaction with the family
S• not using the FLO in any search or arrest of family member

I• the level of information disclosure to the FLO and in turn the family
W• FLO’s welfare and safety
I• investigative or evidential impact of deployment

D• deployment of a deputy FLO for corroboration issues in addition to supporting principal FLO
I• The need for the FLO to be clear in their interactions with the family
M• increased monitoring of the FLO’s work and interaction with the family
P• process by which any intelligence that arises from FLO contact with family will be managed

Question 5

Cultural Liaison:

Answer 5

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 6

Victim Impact Statements:

Answer 6

Victims should be given the opportunity to make a written statement about the impact the crime has had on them, through a victim impact statement.

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

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