Part 6 - Family Liaison Flashcards
What is the role of the Family Liaison Officer (FLO)?
Day to day management of the partnership between the family of the deceased and the Police investigation.
The FLO must offer, facilitate and co-ordinate support that addresses the needs of the family
What considerations should be made when formulating a Family Liaison Plan? (8)
(1) Selection of the FLO
(2) Exit plan for the FLO
(3) Objectives of the FLO
(4) Most appropriate methods of conducting interviews with family
(5) Information to be released (and withheld) from the family
(6) Complaints made by the family and the OC’s action to resolve the issues
(7) Any member of the family who could be considered a suspect
(8) Liaison with victim support and other services
What is the general rule of an exit plan?
(1) Must be developed before the FLO is deployed
(2) Must be communicated to the family at the commencement of the deployment
What considerations should be made when there is a suspect within the family?
(1) FLO’s welfare and safety
(2) Increased monitoring of the FLO’s work and interaction with the family
(3) Level of information disclosure to the FLO, and in turn, the family
(4) Management process for intelligence that arises from the FLO contact with the family
(5) Need for the FLO to be clear in their interactions with family
(6) Importance of fully documenting all contact and interactions
(7) Not using the FLO in any search or arrest of family member
(8) Investigative or evidential impact of deployment
What should the FLO do before meeting the family? (7)
(1) Liaise with OC Investigation regarding parameters of information to be shared
(2) Familiarise themselves with enquiry
(3) Familiarise themselves with family information i.e. family composition/dynamics, cultural/lifestyle considerations, religious beliefs, communication requirements
(4) Familiarise with information and intelligence which impact on the FLO role (previous Police interactions)
(5) Establish what contact family have had with Police since the death
(6) Establish what information has been given
(7) Establish what information is already in the public domain
What considerations should be made in regards to witnesses within the family?
(1) Whether the witness requires special consideration, due to personal characteristics or circumstances of offending
(2) Availability of witness
(3) Needs for assistance
(4) The optimum approach when approaching and interviewing witness
How might a FLO address fears/apprehension from a witness in the family?
(1) Make arrangements to visit the court before the hearing to show them the layout etc
(2) Advise the family about court procedures and potential conflict between prosecution and defence
(3) Advise of the potentially distressing nature of specific evidence that may be given
What a must a FLO do in the early stages? (8)
(1) Provide immediate and appropriate information to the family and explain what happens next (in respect of the body)
(2) Provide family with the Coronial booklet
(3) Establish from family any immediate evidence, information or rumours they may be aware of
(4) Inform the OC immediately should a family or individual express concerns for personal safety
(5) Give/facilitate practical support i.e. transport
(6) Protect from unwarranted media intrusion
(7) Arrange temporary housing (if applicable) if family home is a crime scene
(8) Where appropriate, arrange for family to meet Crown solicitor
What financial support is available for victims of serious crimes?
(1) Grant of up to $1500 for families of homicide victims
(2) Free counselling for families of murder or manslaughter victims (initially 6hrs, option to increase to 15hrs, maximum of 30hrs with approval)
(3) ACC can help towards cost of burial, cremation and related ceremonies
What information should be disclosed to the family?
(1) Programmes or services available through Police (s11)
(2) Progress of the investigation
(3) Family’s role as witnesses
Where an arrest has been made
(1) VNR registration
(2) Ascertain their views on bail and ensure this is communicated to the court
(3) Charges laid / reasons why charges not laid and any changes to the charges
(4) Date and place of each court appearance
(5) Release on bail
(6) Any application made by the accused and ascertain family’s views on application (name suppression etc)
(7) Details of bail conditions
If facilitating viewing of the body, what must the FLO do?
(1) Provide as much information as possible about the condition of the body before viewing
(2) View the body immediately before the family
(3) Explain the necessity and consequences of the PM procedure
How might the FLO prepare the family for possible media interest? (7)
(1) Provide them with a copy of the ‘Media Information Letter to Family of the Deceased’
(2) Establish family views on media appeals
(3) Request the family nominate a spokesperson
(4) Consult with family before the release of personal victim details
(5) Provide copies of media releases before distribution
(6) Inform family of significant developments before releasing to media
(7) Request approval to release a photograph and where practical, respect their choice of photograph
