Brake and Police Family Liaison: a partnership. Sgt Andy Carmichael Roads Policing Unit, Derbyshire Police

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1 Brake and Police Family Liaison: a partnership Sgt Andy Carmichael Roads Policing Unit, Derbyshire Police

2 Brake s support services provide support to people who are bereaved or seriously inured in a road crash, and those supporting them. 2 This means that Brake s role is to support FLOs as well as victims

3 My experience of working with Brake: A personal perspective over 14 years

4 Supporting the family needs in the criminal justice system The Family disagree with Police Investigation and decision not to prosecute, they don't understand why no further action is taken for serious driving offences

5 Brief Circumstances

6 Single vehicle crash on dual carriageway FNS passenger killed Driver had been drinking and failed breath test Delay at hospital no blood until hours after incident Blood result comes back under prescribed limit and to low for accurate count back Critical speed marks and witness evidence support excess speed (100 mph +) Rear seat passenger states deceased grabbed wheel Driver states deceased often grabbed wheel and messed around

7 Family directed to seek advice and support through Brake Brake provided guidance and support through helpline Brake contacted a solicitor who was prepared to support family at meeting on behalf of Brake Support Meeting held and CPS decision and Police investigation explained Families Solicitor acknowledge reasons and explain this to family Family obtained support and CJS is seen as independent

8 How can Brake help the FLO process? Literature Helpline FLO training Sudden website

9 Brake s support literature: contains answers to many common questions allows families to access vital information when their FLO is not available provides space to record notes and important contact information including FLO contact details gives contact details for other support services, e.g. emotional support trauma therapy counselling Brake s helpline

10 Brake s bereavement packs The packs enable families to recap important information you have told them and to help them understand the procedures that follow a road death.

11 Coping with grief A booklet contained within the bereavement packs Information on common feelings people experience following the death of a loved one in a road crash You can use this booklet: to help reassure people that overwhelming and distressing emotions are common reactions to point out suggestions for coping with these feelings to gain an understanding of what people may be going through

12 Literature distribution: practical suggestions Keep copies of the guides in your go bag or patrol car If you are acting as FLO, make a note in your log book to confirm you have given out the relevant guides If you are not acting as FLO, tell the FLO who has been given a Brake guide, so they can note it in their log Make sure you inform the officer in charge of the stock of packs if it is getting low Make sure you are familiar with all the guides and regularly read them at least annually Brake s Serious Injury Guide is available on the Brake website

13 Brake s support literature online At Online version and translations of bereavement pack Translations include Bengali, Latvian, Polish and Urdu Also online: Serious injury guide ICU guide

14 Brake s helpline allows you to get on with your role: Helps families to understand police and CPS powers and procedures, as well as the role of their FLO An independent voice, encouraging families to appreciate the pressures on police time and resources fewer misunderstandings frustrations less likely to develop

15 Brake s helpline allows you to get on with your role: Provides emotional support with no time limit and does the leg work finding sources of support and information Acts as an independent advocate, getting answers to families questions and smoothing relationships Can answer your questions about local sources of support or how to tackle a particular issue with a family

16 FLO input sessions Specially designed training to support FLOs in their role Usually includes a presentation from a volunteer who can share their own experience of FLO support Provides further information about Brake s support services

17 Sudden support for professionals after any sudden death Help for professionals Free forum providing information on training, news, resources and events for professionals

18 After 14 years of working with you Thank you Brake

19 Thank you