Dorset Police launches video to shine a light on important role of family liaison officers
The Force is issuing a video to raise awareness and provide information on the role of a road traffic collision family liaison officer and how they can help in a time of crisis.
One road traffic collision in Dorset is too many and last year in 2024, 17 people tragically lost their lives.
Every family that loses a loved one is supported by a specially-trained officer right from the beginning when their family member has sadly died.
They enter the lives of people at the worst time possible and are there to support them as they adjust to life without their loved one.
The family liaison officer (FLO) is there to support the bereaved and act as a point of contact between the investigation and the family. They provide information on topics that a person will not be thinking of while trying to process their grief, such as death certificates, mortuaries, criminal or coronial procedures.
Inspector Joe Wheable, of the Roads Policing Team, said: “This week is a national Road Safety Week led by Brake, a road safety charity. As part of this, we are issuing a video to raise awareness of road safety as no family should have to go through the loss of a loved one following a road traffic collision.
“We would like to thank the family of Dave and Heather Grant-Jones for sharing their experience as they navigated an extremely difficult time while being supported by Police Constable Mark Palmer.
“When a tragic road death occurs, a family liaison officer is there for a family from the outset. It is a voluntary role on top of their primary job as roads policing officers, which is already a high trauma area of policing.
“We are extremely lucky in Dorset Roads Policing Team to have a group of compassionate officers who go above and beyond to help families in crisis. They are committed, passionate and dedicated to helping people through a horrific time that we hope nobody has to experience themselves.
“Many collisions can be avoidable and we want everyone to think about their behaviour – take time to perform safe manoeuvres, do not get distracted by your mobile phone, keep within the speed limits, always wear a seatbelt and do not drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“We are continuously striving to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads and our family liaison officers play a vital role in supporting those affected.”