Family Liaison Officer (FLO)

This profile has recently been updated to include the CVF 2024 and core skills, and the new version can be found on College Learn by entering the Profile title in the search function. Please note this profile is out of date and is in the process of being reviewed.

The primary purpose of a Family Liaison Officer (FLO) is that of an investigator. Their role is to gather evidence and information from the family to contribute to the investigation, preserve its integrity. The FLO also provides support and information, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, securing confidence and trust of families of victims of crime (primarily homicide), road fatality, mass disaster or other critical incident, ensuring family members are given timely information in accordance with the needs of the investigation.

• Establish and maintain a supportive and ethical relationship with the family, building trust, in line with local and national guidance to gathering information and evidence.
• Act as a single point of contact between families and investigation teams when a mass disaster, homicide, suspicious death, or roads policing fatality is involved to enable information to be shared which may assist in the investigation.
• Collect best evidence to enable identification of a reported missing person (high risk of criminality/vulnerability) or identify the deceased and consider potential future viewing requirements/ post mortem(s) with the family to further the investigation.
• Provide information regarding additional services available for families, including signposting to support agencies, and explain Criminal Justice and Coronial procedures, so that they can access all available services and support.
• Update families, in a timely manner, with all relevant information regarding a police investigation, in line with the strategy of the Senior Investigating Officer (SIO), Senior Identification Manager (SIM) or Lead Investigator so that they are informed of progress.
• Obtain victimology and family personal statements and any other material to enable the gathering of evidence and to support the investigative process.
• Document any requests and/or complaints made by the family, to be forwarded for the consideration of the Senior Investigating Officer (SIO), Senior Identification Manager (SIM) or Lead Investigator.
• Record all contact with the family to ensure compliance with the Criminal Procedures and Investigations Act (CPIA) to maintain the integrity of the investigation.
• Liaise between families and the Coroner, Senior Investigating Officer (SIO), Senior Identification Manager (SIM) or Lead Investigator in relation to requirements under the Human Tissue Act 2004.

Prior education and experience:

Crime:

• Accredited PIP2 investigator
• Experience in conducting PIP level 2 serious and complex crime investigations
• Attend a College of Policing licenced Family Liaison Officer Course, provided by a qualified police trainer, College of Policing Associate Trainer or equivalent.

Roads Policing:

• Accredited PIP 1 investigator
• Experience in conducting PIP level 1 investigations.
• Attend a College of Policing licenced Family Liaison Officer Course provide by a qualified police trainer, College of Policing Associate Trainer or equivalent.

Ante-mortem:

• Accredited PIP 1 investigator, experienced in conducting PIP level 1 investigations or accredited PIP2 investigator
• Attend a College of Policing licenced Family Liaison Officer Course, provided by a qualified police trainer, College of Policing Associate Trainer or equivalent.

Skills:

• Good communication skills with the ability to listen, empathise, provide support and adapt language, form, and message to meet the needs of different people / audiences.
• Skilled in the use of IT packages, systems and/or databases to fulfil role requirements.
• Able to break down a complex problem into component parts and determine appropriate action in investigations.
• Ability to work effectively in a team to achieve shared objectives, demonstrating awareness of individual differences and providing support and advice as required.
• Able to review own performance objectively and to develop and follow an appropriate improvement plan.
• Able to appropriately prioritise and plan own work.
• Able to proactively develop effective working relationships with colleagues, partners and other stakeholders.
• Able to produce clear and concise reports and other documents within best practice procedures.
• Able to identify key risks and issues affecting family liaison

• Demonstrate recent experience in the role of family liaison officer and evidence the knowledge and skills that you have gained.
• Keep up to date with changing legislation and how this may affect you in your role.
• Ensure case file management follows best practice in relation to CPIA and Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999.
• Ensure all decision making is in line with the National Decision Model.
• Keep up to date with guidance and best practice on vulnerability.
• Keep up to date with new approaches to evidence based policing.
• Maintain working knowledge of available support services e.g. Homicide Service.
• Keep up to date with Authorised Professional Practice relevant to this role

Accreditation

Assessed competence against relevant professional standards for this role is required to achieve accreditation. Maintenance of this accreditation requires the demonstration of continued competence against professional standards as well as evidence of CPD, in line with the College’s Model.

• Family Liaison Advisor
• Family Liaison Co-ordinator