Police Family Liaison Officer : Social work

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A degree in social work can provide an excellent foundation for becoming a police family liaison officer. Here are steps you can take to pursue this career path:

  1. Educational Background:
  • Obtain a degree in social work. This can be a bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work (BSW or MSW). Social work programs cover a wide range of topics, including family dynamics, crisis intervention, and communication skills, which are directly applicable to the role of a police family liaison officer.
  1. Gain Relevant Experience:
  • Seek out internships, volunteer opportunities, or entry-level positions that allow you to gain experience working with families, especially in crisis or challenging situations. Experience in areas such as child welfare, family services, or victim advocacy can be particularly beneficial.
  1. Understand Law Enforcement Dynamics:
  • Familiarize yourself with the dynamics of law enforcement. Learn about police procedures, protocols, and the challenges law enforcement officers face. Understanding the context in which you’ll be working is crucial for effective collaboration.
  1. Develop Communication and Relationship-Building Skills:
  • Police family liaison officers need strong communication and relationship-building skills. Work on developing your ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations, including families in crisis and law enforcement personnel.
  1. Specialized Training:
  • Seek out specialized training relevant to the role of a police family liaison officer. This may include courses in victim advocacy, crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and trauma-informed care. Some jurisdictions may require specific certifications or training for this role.
  1. Network with Professionals in the Field:
  • Connect with professionals in both the social work and law enforcement fields. Networking can provide valuable insights, mentorship, and potential job opportunities. Attend conferences, workshops, and events where you can meet individuals working in police family liaison roles.
  1. Stay Informed about Legal and Policy Changes:
  • Stay updated on relevant legal and policy changes in both the social work and law enforcement sectors. Being knowledgeable about the evolving landscape will help you navigate the challenges and expectations of your role as a liaison officer.
  1. Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter:
  • When applying for positions as a police family liaison officer, tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your social work background, relevant experience, and skills that make you well-suited for the role. Emphasize your ability to work collaboratively with both law enforcement and families.
  1. Apply for Open Positions:
  • Monitor job postings for police family liaison officer positions within law enforcement agencies. Apply to positions that align with your skills and career goals.
  1. Prepare for Interviews:
  • Prepare for interviews by showcasing your understanding of the unique challenges faced by families in crisis and your commitment to providing support and advocacy. Be prepared to discuss your relevant experiences and how they have prepared you for this role.

Remember to check the specific qualifications and requirements of the law enforcement agencies you are interested in, as these can vary. Additionally, consider seeking guidance from professionals who have experience in police family liaison roles to gain valuable insights into the nuances of the position.

What does being a police family liaison officer involve

  • 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.

Police family liaison officers have an incredibly important jobs in supporting families during their time of crises to ensure their integrity and dignity whilst also maintaining that the investigation into an incident takes place. The values and skills gained through a social work degree make students ideal applicants.

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