Part 6 Family liaison in homicide and serious crime investigations Flashcards
In relation to a FLO, what does the term family include?
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- Partners, parents, siblings, children, guardians, whanau and any others who have had a direct and close relationship with the victim
- Chosen family
- Should reflect the victims culture and lifestyle
Exit plans:
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- Should include plans for reactivation.
- FLO must ensure that victim support services are on-going
- All on-going contact from the family must be reported to the OC investigation
Where a family member is suspected of being involved in the offence, the OC investigation must take great care and assess any risks associated with deploying an FLO.
The OC investigation must review the plan regularly, which should consider:
- The FLOs welfare and safety
- Investigative or evidential impact of deployment
- Not using the FLO in any search or arrest of a family member
- The level of information disclosed to the FLO, and in turn the family
In relation to victim support. The FLO must:
- Co-ordinate the families access to victim support and other support agencies
- Inform the family of the existence of victim support at earliest opportunity
- FLO and OC investigation must meet with the victim support volunteer and brief them on the case
- On-going liaison with victim support volunteer to ensure the information provided to the family is consistent
There must be a plan developed whilst considering the family needs. The plan should be recorded and consider:
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- Liaison with victim support and other support services
- Exit plan for the FLO
- Objectives of FLO
- Information to be released to and withheld from the family
What is the role of a family liaison officer?
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The primary role of a FLO is that of an investigator and not a support person. However, in performing this role, the FLO must offer support facilities for the family.
Before meeting with the family, the FLO must:
- Liaise with the OC investigation regarding what information can be shared
- Establish what information has already been given to the family
- Establish what contact Police has had with the family since the incident
- Be familiar with the enquiry
This is often the witness’ first time in court, what can an FLO do to ease their anxiety?
- Show them the court room before any hearing
- Discuss procedures of giving evidence
- Advise of potential distressing evidence that may be given
When dealing with families, what is of paramount importance?
Families are treated appropriately, professionally, with respect and consideration to their needs.
During the early stages the FLO must:
- Provide information concerning the death and explain what happens next in respect of the body
- Provide family with “when someone dies” book
- Protect family from unwanted media intrusion
- Establish any immediate evidence from the family members and pass to OC investigation
What grants do the government provide for victims of serious crime?
- Grant up to $1500
- Free counselling
- ACC help towards cost of burial, cremation etc
The family should be prepared for possible media interest and the FLO should take steps to:
- Establish family’s views on media appeals
- Request they nominate a spokesperson
- Consult family before release of personal details of the victim
- Inform family of significant developments in investigation before releasing info to media
Maori culture:
Describe the role of an Iwi Liaison Officer:
Iwi Liaison Officers will support an understanding and awareness of Maori Traditions, protocols and beliefs and exchange the relations between:
- the investigation
- the family of the deceased, and
- the wider Maori community
Post conviction contact:
The family should be made aware of the following:
- Victim notification scheme
- Provided the opportunity to participate in the process to decide whether the offender is granted parole
- Complete a VNR
Where an offender is arrested, the FLO must:
- Inform the family of their right to be on the VNR
- Obtain views on bail
- Inform of charges laid, date and place of court appearances and bail conditions
