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West Yorkshire Police Family Liaison Officers (FLOs) have spoken out about their unique role, supporting the loved ones of victims of road death.
A new video has been released to help affected families understand more about what to expect and what support is available.
The specially trained officers volunteer to support families during serious investigations, including fatal road collisions.
They are investigators who act as the primary link between the police investigation team and the bereaved family, providing updates, gathering information, and offering support throughout the criminal justice process. They also signpost families to specialist support services such as Brake.
On average, around 100 families receive support from FLOs every year.
FLO Sarah, said: “When I approach a family, my main priority is doing what they need. It’s all about talking to them, finding when they want us to contact, how they want us to contact and what support they need.”
“I have personal experience, my sister was seriously injured in a collision when I was younger.
FLO Olivia, said: “People become Family Liaison Officers because they genuinely care about the service they are giving to people and they care about what people are going through.”
Family Liaison Co-ordinators (FLCs) oversee the work of FLOs and ensure both the officers and families are supported and matched appropriately.
FLC Edel, said: “I do this role to support families in their darkest hour. Behind every fatal collision there is a family going through the worst time of their lives, they deserve to be supported, listened to, and treated with compassion.”
The post-collision response is a key element of the local road safety approach from the West Yorkshire Vision Zero partnership, underpinned by an aim of reducing road deaths to zero by 2040.
Alison Lowe OBE, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, and Chair of the West Yorkshire Vision Zero Board, said: “West Yorkshire is very lucky to have these dedicated officers who volunteer, on top of their daily duties, to a very sensitive and taxing role.
“They do it because they care, as does everyone involved in Vision Zero. No-one should suffer the devastation of road death, but where it does happen, we want to ensure the best support possible.
“Those who choose to drive dangerous and risk other people’s lives, I hope you take the time to listen to the impact.”
Drivers have a key role in reducing road death and FLO Sarah has this message for them: “Just think, what if it was my loved one crossing the road, what if it was my loved one in the other car.
“If you don’t want to experience grief or bereavement, then think twice before you commit a road traffic offence and what the devastating impact of that can be.” | 
