ACPO response to the Victim Commissioner’s report

“The police service recognises the impact of homicide and fatal road collisions on the families of their victims. Police family liaison officers (FLO’s) ensure that as far as possible families remain integrated into the investigation. They also provide significant support to families - a point recognised by the Victims Commissioner in her report.

“ACPO has supported the establishment of a National Homicide Service through Victim Support. This was set up precisely to deal with the ongoing support necessary for families throughout the process and both during and after a trial. The police service has made significant progress since this scheme was set up and ACPO recognises and continues to support its work."

The ACPO Homicide Working Group has commissioned work (in conjunction with the Victims Commissioner and the Director of Public Prosecution) to ensure that families whose trial ends in an acquittal can be clear about the role of the police in these circumstances.

The ACPO Homicide Working Group has continued to develop guidelines to ensure that any review of homicide / undetected murders takes the views of families into account.

Family Liaison Officers are acknowledged both inside and outside the service for the outstanding work they do - not least of which by the families to whom they provide a service.

For more information please contact:

ACPO Press Office
Association of Chief Police Officers
e: press.office@acpo.pnn.police.uk