October 01, 2025 | Organisational Information and Performance , Procedures
Request Number: FOI/15675
Category: Organisational Information & Performance - Procedures
Subject: Family Liaison Officers
Request and Answer:
Your request for information has now been considered. In respect of Section 1(1)(a) of the Act we can confirm that the Police Service of Northern Ireland does hold information to which your request relates. The decision has been taken to disclose the following.
Request 1
I would like to request a copy of your policies on Family Liaison Officers, in particular, in relation to their deployment in the case of families bereaved by suicide.
I would be grateful if you could answer the following questions:
What guidance do you follow for the deployment of family liaison officers?
National Police Chiefs Council found here:
Working with victims and witnesses | College of Policing
Answer 1
PSNI follow the guidance from the National Police Chiefs Council in the link above.
Request 2
Your own guidance or policies, if so, please may you provide a copy
Answer 2
Please see above answer to Request 1.
Request 3
Other, please detail what these are
Answer 3
Please see above answer to Request 1.
Request 4
Does your guidance allow for the deployment of Family Liaison Officer's in the case of families bereaved by suicide?
a. Yes, if so, please detail the requirement for deployment
b. No, if not please detail the reason for this
Answer 4 a.
Yes. PSNI follow the College of Policing's guidance in terms of the deployment of Family Liaison Officer's (FLO's) which is as follows:
- Homicide
- Fatal road traffic collisions
- Mass fatalities
- Rail fatalities
- Critical incidents where family liaison might enhance the effectiveness of the police response
Answer 4 b.
PSNI does not have a separate policy in relation to Family Liaison Officers FLOs. Information and National approach relating to the use of FLOs is governed by NPCC / College of Policing and is available publicly.
https://www.app.college.police.uk/app-content/investigations/victims-and-witnesses/?highlight=FLO?s=FLO#family-liaison