Detective Senior Constable Sharni Lawler, Western Australia Police Force
In 2019 Sharni was awarded a Winston Churchill Fellowship to examine international techniques for the Family Liaison Officer (FLO) role in homicide investigations.
The core function of a FLO is that of an investigator. The FLO ensures an effective, timely exchange of information between investigators and the victim’s family. As an integral member of the investigation team, they obtain vital information relating to the victim and assist with other crucial investigative aspects. The FLO role is conducted by a police officer, not a counsellor. Their involvement highlights the important need for effective partnerships with external support agencies.
Sharni travelled between August and November 2023 to the United Kingdom, United States of America, and Canada. She met and had discussions with homicide detectives from multiple law enforcement agencies and support specialists who provided invaluable insights and learnings. These learnings could significantly benefit the Western Australia Police Force Homicide Squad and extend to all Australian policing jurisdictions.
Project
To examine international techniques for the Family Liaison Officer in homicide investigations
Sharni Lawler
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