Ascension : From The Constables Desk
Submitted by The Islander (Gavin Yon) 14.12.2006 (Article Archived on 28.12.2006)

Hello Readers, My topic is basic on Family/Community Liaison, since arriving to the island for a tour of duty.

Hello Readers,

My topic is basic on Family/Community Liaison, since arriving to the island for a tour of duty. I am delighted to have the responsibilities as the Family /Community liaison Officer and looking forward in carrying out these duties. Some of you may ask yourself or others what is Family/Community Liaison.  Firstly, Family Liaison which is formulation and development of a family strategy achieving a partnership approach with the family in the context of an investigation. Now again, what kind of investigation? Well this involves Rape, murder, sexual offences, fatal and tragic incidents. Our aims are to provide care, support and information in a sensitive and compassionate manner, to gather evidence and information from the family in a manner which contributes to the investigation and preserves its integrity. To regularly update the family on the progress of the investigation, to secure the confidence and co-operation of the victim’s family and to ensure that the family members are given information and are guided through the police investigation, the support agencies and appropriate referrals are made to those agencies in accordance with the family’s wishes. Elsewhere when a Major Incident occurs a Social Services Officer is appointed and work together with the Family Liaison Officer. At the moment here on the Island we do not have Social Services. However in our Police Service in St. Helena we do have a Family Liaison Officer appointed to deal with reports of this nature, so therefore I will liaise with the Family Liaison Officer, when a crime or incident occurs to enable me to liaise with the families or friends here on Island. I will be working closely with the Medical Department and the Parish Priest who can, offer counselling.  My appointment came no sooner, when I was able to spring into action with the tragic lost Tyler Nel who was free diving at Boatswain Bird Island. At the time of this incident I was able to comfort the bereaved family, offer them assistance and guidance into the enquiry.

Now moving on to the Community Liaison. What is it all about? Well some people have problems which need to be brought to our attention, for example you might be living alongside of some one else and annoying you with their music, your child might be bullied when ever they goes to the park, but don’t know how to go about it. You may not wish to come to Police Station to make your report or even like an officer to come to your home, and further more may feels uncomfortable speaking to a uniform officer. This is where I come in, if you are afraid of any of these mentions above then alternative arrangements can be made to make you feel comfortable. I will be liaising with the community and if our support is needed, in any way then please do not hesitate to get in touch, remember we are here for you and not ourselves.  This is some information about Family/Community Liaison, if you would like to know more, then please feel free to get in contact with me.

I am present organising a Litter Poster Competition which involves children from the school. To create public awareness in relation to the litter problem on the island, this is where it all must start from. By having to create awareness in school, the children would than convey to their parents and friends of the community on how to combat the litter problem. The winners of the best judged posters will receive a monetary prize for their effects, and to be presented at end of this school term. The posters will be displayed around the island. To take the project a stage further there will be an organised litter clean up in due course.

Keep safe and enjoy the festive season.

WPC Karen Williams