What is the primary function of a Family Liaison Officer (FLO)?
The primary function of an FLO is an investigator, not a support person. However, the FLO must also facilitate and coordinate support that addresses the needs of the family.
What should a Family Liaison plan contain?
A Family Liaison plan should include the selection of the FLO and criteria for selection, an exit plan for the FLO, objectives of the family liaison, methods for conducting interviews, information to be released or withheld, family requests and reasons for non-agreement, complaints and actions taken, potential suspects within the family, and liaison with support services.
Who does the term ‘family’ relate to in the context of a Family Liaison Officer?
The term ‘family’ includes partners, parents, siblings, children, guardians, whanau, chosen family, and others with a close relationship to the victim. It should reflect the victim’s culture and lifestyle.
What should a FLO do regarding a victim’s cultural origin?
The FLO should identify the cultural origins of the victim’s family and ensure familiarity with relevant cultural beliefs and protocols to enhance relations and contribute to the victim profile.
What role does an iwi liaison officer (ILO) play in homicide investigations involving a Māori victim?
An ILO supports understanding of Māori traditions, protocols, and beliefs, enhancing relations between the investigation, the family of the deceased, and the Māori community.
Who takes victim impact statements (VIS) in homicide cases and when should they be obtained?
Homicide trained victim support volunteers take victim impact statements from surviving family members, and these should be obtained as long as possible before sentencing.
