Separate SIO and Family Liaison Officer roles
The Metropolitan Police should ensure that the role of the Family Liaison Officer is never carried out by the Senior Investigating Officer of an investigation. There is an inherent conflict between these two roles.
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedThe new National Major Crime Investigation Manual (MCIM) published in November 2021 covers all aspects of major crime investigation and sets the standard for all forces alongside the relevant Authorised Professional Practice (APP) produced by the College of Policing. The MCIM now clearly sets out guidance that the role of Senior Investigating Officer and Family Liaison Officer are distinct with their own individual strategies. Although recent cases, such as that of Stephen Port, recently demonstrated limitations in training for MPS FLOs. We expect the MPS to ensure that all future FLO candidates, and those currently in the role, are appropriately screened as HMICFRS recently recommended.
Published Evidence
Published assessments of progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Source type badge indicates whether each assessment is independent or government self-reported.
The MCIM (November 2021) clearly sets out that SIO and FLO roles are distinct with separate strategies. However, the Stephen Port case subsequently demonstrated limitations in MPS FLO training, and HMICFRS recommended improved screening of FLO candidates.
View detailed findings
Role separation implemented through the MCIM but subsequent cases revealed ongoing FLO training deficiencies.