HOMICIDE AND SERIOUS CRIME VICTIMS - Role of the Family Liaison Officer Flashcards
BULLY - What is the role of a Family Liaison Officer (FLO)?
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.
BULLY - When should a FLO be deployed?
When implementing the family liaison plan, the FLO should identify which family member(s) to liaise with at an early stage. This may be straightforward in some cases but in situations where the family is extended or fragmented, this may be more complex.
BULLY - How can an Iwi Liaison Officer (ILO) assist?
This will enhance relations with the family throughout the investigation by providing an understanding and awareness of the maori culture, protocol and beliefs.
The interactions with maori may involve participating in ceremonies such as formal welcomes The traditions, beliefs and values of maori should be respected wherever possible, within the confines of the integrity of the investigation
BULLY * Define 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.
BEFORE MEETING THE FAMILY, WHICH SHOULD OCCUR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, THE FLO MUST?
- Establish what contact the family has had with Police since the incident/death
- Establish what information has been given to the family
- Establish what information concerning the incident is already in the public domain
- Familiarize themselves with the enquiry
EARLY ISSUES FOR RESOLUTION - During the early stages the FLO must?
- Give or facilitate initial practical support for members of the family (eg. transport)
- As far as possible, protect the family from unwarranted media intrusion
- Arrange temporary housing when the family home has been designated as a crime scene or a protracted search of the victim’s home is anticipated.
Victim Support should be involved in this process
* Use their knowledge of the criminal justice system and Coroners processes to advise family members, as appropriate
How old should VIS be?
Should be no older than 28 Days.
What is Victim Lifestyle Enquiries?
Once the family of the victim has been identified, the FLO is usually tasked to gather information about the victim and family members, to compile a victim profile. The reason for a lifestyle enquiry will determine the level of detail required.
For a family violence homicide where the suspect was arrested at the scene, lifestyle enquiries may be restricted to establishing a history of violence. An investigation yielding little more than a body and no significant witnesses or forensic evidence, will require an in-depth examination of all aspects of the victims’ life.
Sources of information:
When examining the lifestyle of a victim, sources of information frequently fall into one of two categories: people and passive data. These may include the following people?
- Friends
- Colleagues
- Partners
- Associates
- Online or social media contacts
Passive data:
Relevant Passive Data sources to be obtained by the FLO, may include?
- NIA
- CID
- medical history
- mental health records
RETURN OF PROPERTY:
Property returned to family / OC INV to approve these issues should be considered?
- What property family wants to be returned
- Any delays in returning the property
- How they want it returned e.g. items cleaned
MEDIA:
The family should be prepared for possible media interest and FLO should take steps to?
- Find out family’s views on media involvement
- Request family to nominate a spokesperson
- Consult with family before the release of person details relating to VICTIM
