A group of North East police officers have been trained to help families cope with the losses of loved ones in road traffic collisions.
Durham Constabulary's Roads Policing Officers, who work across Cleveland and Durham, have now become fully fledged Family Liaison Officers (FLOs) after qualifying from an intense training course for the voluntary role which supports families whose loved ones are killed in road traffic collisions. As part of their role, they offer expert emotional and physical support, working day and night to make sure the families are kept informed and supported.
An inspector from the force has described the family liaison role which encompasses everything from the first traumatic moment when a family is told the horrendous news, to guidance through the investigation and court result. Inspector Kevin Salter explained: “The family liaison role within roads policing is one of the most difficult yet rewarding roles a police officer can do."
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“Emotionally it can be extremely tough for the officer, trying your best to support and help a family through what will be the most traumatic and devastating experience of a lifetime. However, knowing that you may have helped and supported them in some way along that difficult journey makes doing the role worthwhile.
"As a Family Liaison Officer you never forget the families you support and you never forget the journey that you help them through."
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The inspector added: “The officers carry out this role because they want to on a voluntary basis, which is additional work for them over and above their normal daily duties. I am extremely proud that they have stepped forward for this challenging and rewarding role and welcome them all to the team.”
