Family liasion

Question 1

Role of FLO

Answer 1

Day to day management of the partnership between the family of the deceased and the Police investigation. The primary function of an FLO is an investigator and not a support person. However in performing this role, the FLO must also offer, facilitate and coordinate support that addresses the needs of the family.

Question 2

FLO plan

Answer 2

• selection of the FLO and criteria employed for the selection
• exit plan
• objectives of the FLO
• assessing the most appropriate methods of conducting interview with family members
• 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 investigations action to progress and resolve issues raised
• any member of the family who might be considered a suspect
• liaison with victim support and other services

Question 3

Family

Answer 3

• includes partners, parents, siblings, children, guardians, whanau and any others who have had a direct and close relationship to victim
• includes chosen family
• should reflect the victim’s culture and lifestyle

Question 4

Risk assessment

Answer 4

• the suitability of the officer for retention in the role
• whether additional FLOs should be appointed
• the needs and wishes of the family

Question 5

Suspect within the family

Answer 5

• the FLOs welfare and safety
• increased monitoring of the FLOs work and interaction with the family
• the level of information disclosure to the FLO and in turn the family
• the process by which intelligence that arises from FLO contact with the family will be managed
• the need for the FLO to be clear in their interactions with the family
• the possibility of deploying a more experienced FLO if app
• the deployment of a deputy FLO for corroboration issues
• not using the FLO in any search or arrest
• investigative or evidential impact of deployment

Question 6

Action on appointment

Answer 6

• liaise closely with the OC investigation regarding parameters of information to be shared with and/or held back from the family
• familiarise with enquiry
• familiarise with information about the family (dynamics, cultural, lifestyle, religious beliefs)

Question 7

Witnesses within the family

Answer 7

• the witness requires special consideration as defined by the ‘investigative interviewing witness guide’
• the availability of the witness
• any particular needs the witness has for assistance
• the optimum approach to be taken when approaching and interviewing the witness

Question 8

Early issues for resolution

Answer 8

• provide immediate appropriate information concerning the death and the processes (PM, Coroner)
• provide with booklet
• establish from family any immediate evidence, information or rumours to pass to OC
• act quickly and effectively to inform OC if safety concerns
• give or facilitate initial practical support (transport)
• protect the family from unwarranted media intrusion
• arrange temporary housing if required
• use criminal justice system and Coroners process knowledge to advise family
• arrange Crown to meet the family about decision if appropriate

Question 9

Financial support

Answer 9

• a discretionary grant of up to $1500
• free counselling for families. Initially 6 hours but can increase to 15. 30 hours may be approved
• ACC can help towards burial, cremation etc

Question 10

Disclosure of information to family

Answer 10

• programmes, remedies or services available through Police
• progress of investigation
• the family’s role as witnesses in the prosecution of the offence
  When offender arrested:
• inform family of VNR
• obtain views on bail
• charges laid and reasons why charges are not laid, any changes
• the date and place of Court appearances
• release on bail
• any application for name suppression, and their views
• details of bail conditions

Question 11

Sources of information

Answer 11

• friends
• colleagues
• partners
• associates
• online or social media
• hobbies and habits
• travel movements

Question 12

Passive data

Answer 12

• NIA
• CID
• medical history
• mental health records
• HSMU
• mobile phone records
• internet usage
• vehicle details
• banking

Question 13

Media

Answer 13

• prepare family for the anticipated level of media interest and provide with letter
• establish the family’s views on media appeals
• request family to nominate a spokesperson
• consult the family before release of personal details relating to the victim
• if possible provide copies of media releases to family before