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

Family Liaison Plan (9)

Answer 2

The plan should be recorded and consider:
• 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 the 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
• liaison with Victim Support and other support services.

Question 3

Exit plan

Answer 3

An exit plan must be developed before the FLO is deployed, and be communicated to the family at the commencement of the deployment. The exit plan will be determined and executed at the discretion of the OC Investigation, and should include plans for reactivation.
The term ‘family’:
• includes partners, parents, siblings, children, guardians, whänau 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

Cultural liaison

Answer 4

To enhance relations with the family and to contribute to the victim profile.

In cases involving Mäori victims, an Iwi Liaison Officer should be involved from the earliest stage possible. This will enhance relations with the family throughout the investigation by providing an understanding and awareness of the Mäori culture, protocol and beliefs. The interactions with Mäori may involve participating in ceremonies, such as formal welcomes. The traditions, beliefs, and values of Mäori should be respected wherever possible, within the confines of the integrity of the investigation.

Question 5

Conduct of FLO duties

Answer 5

The FLO is primarily an investigative role and any urgent information they discover must be conveyed quickly to the OC Investigation, such as whether any family members are vulnerable or significant witnesses, or whether any family member should be considered a suspect.

Question 6

Action on appointment (7)

Answer 6

On appointment, the FLO and OC Investigation should discuss the plan for working with the family. It is essential the FLO establishes the parameters of their role and is clear about the objectives they are being tasked to achieve.
Before meeting the family, which should occur as soon as possible, the FLO must:
1. liaise closely with the OC Investigation regarding parameters of information to be shared with and/or held back from the family
2. familiarise themselves with the enquiry
3. familiarise themselves with all information established concerning the family, including known family composition or dynamics, cultural and lifestyle considerations, religious beliefs and communication requirements, e.g. language or disability
4. familiarise themselves with available information and intelligence which could impact on the liaison role, such as previous Police involvement with the victim or family
5. establish what contact the family has had with Police since the incident/death
6. establish what information has been given to the family
7. establish what information concerning the incident is already in the public domain.
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