In the midst of a campaign aimed at enhancing road safety awareness following a surge in severe injuries and fatal collisions, Detective Sergeant Toni Nugent offers insights into the integral role of a Family Liaison Officer (FLO) when a tragedy strikes on the roads of Wiltshire.
When your world has been turned upside down, a Family Liaison Officer steps into your life.
Delivering perhaps the most devastating news one can fathom – the loss of a cherished family member.
While the circumstances may vary, frequently the cause of this heart-wrenching loss is a road collision.
Over the ensuing weeks and months, the Family Liaison Officer (FLO) serves as a steadfast pillar of support for the grieving family, offering a consistent point of contact within the police force through subsequent legal proceedings and inquests, while also guiding them towards pertinent support networks.
Detective Sergeant Toni Nugent, who embarked on the path of becoming a FLO in 2017 driven by her desire to aid families during their time of dire need, sheds light on the emotional and impactful nature of the role. “You are there for families during a lot of ups and downs, and it can be an extremely emotive role, but it also brings a sense of pride and fulfilment that you are helping them through a life-changing time,” she reflects. “I still think about the families I have helped in the past and wonder how they are coping.”
Among the poignant cases etched in Toni’s memory is that of a young man who tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident while en route to meet friends at the beach.
The grieving parents resided in a neighbouring county.
Recalling the experience, Toni recounts, “I visited his parents’ house to take a life statement all about their son – they showed me around the house and his ashes were on the mantlepiece. They talked about their memories of him and how they now planned to move from the family home.
The case proceeded to trial, a situation that saw Toni stand by the family’s side as they attended daily court sessions in Salisbury. It was a really difficult and emotive situation as the driver involved in the collision had made one seemingly minor mistake and didn’t check her mirrors, which caused the collision. She stopped at the scene and was with the man when he died at the roadside. Toni explained.
The man’s parents harboured a simple question: Did he utter any final words?
Toni went on to explain that “after the sentencing was complete, the driver wanted to speak to the family and we agreed this could happen with me present. In some ways, it was a satisfying meeting as his mum got to ask whether her son had spoken before passing away and what he said and the woman was able to tell her. I will never forget his mum saying ‘thank you’ and telling the woman it was an accident and she shouldn’t blame herself. They shared a hug and went their separate ways.
“It will always stay with me. Despite such a horrendous incident, the family amazed me in being so forgiving and understanding.”
This month, Wiltshire Police is making road safety a priority following a rise in fatal and serious injury collisions in the county. Officers are focusing on raising awareness of the fatal five – driving at excess speed, not wearing a seatbelt, using a mobile phone, drink/drug driving, and careless driving.
Having attended countless scenes of destruction on our roads in her role as a FLO, Toni has a strong message for motorists.
“It doesn’t matter if you are in the car on your own, or with others, you must be completely focused on what you are doing and pay the road your full attention. One minor mistake can have massive consequences. The trauma is felt on both sides – it is life-changing and utterly devastating for all involved.”
