Family Liaison In Homicide And SCI

Question 1

Role of FLO

Answer 1

Family Liaison Officer
The primary role of an FLO is that of an investigator, not a support person.
However in this role the FLO must offer, facilitate and coordinate support that addresses the needs of the family.

Question 2

Family

Answer 2

An FLO should identify which family members to liaise with at an early stage.

Family could include-

1. Partners, parents, siblings, children, guardians, whanau.
2. Includes chosen family.
3. Should reflect the victims culture and lifestyle.

Question 3

Family Liaison Plan

Answer 3

A partnership approach with the family is sought. It is a dynamic process which must be reviewed at regular interviews. It should be recorded and consider-

1. Selection of the FLO and criteria employed for the selection.
2. Exit plan for the FLO.
3. Objectives of the family liaison.
4. Assessing the most appropriate methods of conducting interviews with family members, including the use of specialist interviewers where appropriate.
5. Information to be released and to be withheld from the family.
6. Requests made by the family which have not been agreed to, and the reasons for this.
7. Complaints made by the family and the oc investigations actions to progress and resolve issues raised.
8. 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.
9. Liaison with Victim Support and other support services.

Question 4

Cultural Liaison

Answer 4

The FLO should identify the cultural origins of the victims 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

Maori culture (FLO)

Answer 5

An iwi liaison officer should be involved at the earliest stage possible.

Question 6

Action on appointments (FLO)

Answer 6

Before meeting the family the FLO must;

1. Liaise with OC investigation regarding parameters of information to be shared or withheld.
2. Familiarise themselves with the inquiry.
3. Familiarise themselves with all information concerning the family (culture, lifestyle, religion, communication requirements)
4. Establish what contact the family has had with police since the death/incident.
5. Establish what information has been given to the family.
6. Establish what information concerning the incident is already in the public domain.

Question 7

Victim impact statements

Answer 7

Victims should be given the opportunity to make a victim Impact statement, detailing the impact the incident has had in them.

This should be available at sentencing and at that time should be no more than 28 days old at that time.