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Coimbatore Police Introduce Family Liaison Officers to Assist Crime Victims

SimpliCity News Team · 21 days ago

Coimbatore: Aiming to ensure that victims of heinous crimes and their families are not left navigating the police and legal process without information or support, Coimbatore City Police have introduced the Family Liaison Police Officer (FLPO) system.

Under the new system, a designated police officer will act as a bridge between the police and families affected by serious crimes, keeping them informed about important developments in the case, addressing their concerns and helping them access support and protection.

The initiative was discussed in detail at a review meeting chaired by Coimbatore City Police Commissioner Dr. N. Kannan on September 12. The roles and responsibilities of FLPOs and ways to ensure timely information, assistance and protection for victims and their families were among the issues discussed.

According to the police, the system will cover victims and families affected by serious offences, including sexual offences and POCSO cases, grievous assaults, kidnapping, missing persons cases with a criminal background, organised crimes, major road accidents, murder and suspicious deaths.

The designated officer will serve as a dedicated point of contact for the affected family and provide updates on the progress of the case, subject to legal provisions and the confidentiality of the investigation. Families will also be informed about key developments, including the registration of FIRs, arrests, legally permissible details of the investigation, filing of charge sheets or final reports and significant court proceedings.

Beyond case updates, the FLPO will address grievances and concerns raised by the family and coordinate with government and legal support services to facilitate access to medical assistance, psychological counselling, legal aid, child protection services, One Stop Centres, compensation schemes, shelter and rehabilitation facilities.

The officer will also immediately take note of concerns relating to threats or security involving victims, family members or witnesses and bring them to the attention of the appropriate police officers for necessary action.

Police clarified that the FLPO will not replace the investigating officer. Instead, the liaison officer will work alongside the investigation team and ensure that any new information, documents, CCTV footage or other material provided by the family is passed on to the investigating officers.

As part of the system, the FLPO will, wherever possible, make direct contact with or meet the affected family within the first 24 hours. Regular contact will thereafter be maintained to keep the family informed about major developments in the case.

Deputy Commissioners of Police from the North, South and Traffic wings, Assistant Commissioners from all ranges and other police officers attended the review meeting.

The initiative is aimed at making policing more transparent, accountable and humane, while placing greater focus on the needs and concerns of victims and their families, Coimbatore City Police said.

Coimbatore City Police Family Liaison Police Officer FLPO Crime Victims Victim Support Coimbatore Police Commissioner

Coimbatore Police Introduce Family Liaison Officers to Assist Crime Victims

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