What does CLO mean in OCCUPATION & POSITIONS

A Coroner's Liaison Officer (CLO) is an individual appointed by the Chief Coroner who provides support and guidance to families who have lost a loved one in order to ensure that the coroner's process is as seamless and respectful as possible.

The role of the CLO is to provide emotional support, information and assistance to bereaved families during a coroner's investigation. This includes providing advice on how to respond to questions from family members or educate them about the processes involved with coronial investigations. The CLO may also offer advice on how the family can best support each other during this difficult time.

Every situation will be different, but typically you should expect it may take up to 24 hours before your assigned CLO contacts you after being referred by the Chief Coroner. However, if there are any delays you can contact either your local police station or coroner's office.

Your assigned CLO will usually contact you within 24 hours after referral by the Chief Coroner. If it has been longer than that, then you should feel free to call your local police station or request an update from your coroner's office.

Unfortunately, these services are not publicly funded and so all costs associated with using a Coroner's Liaison Officer will have to be covered by the family or their representative. Depending on which jurisdiction you reside in, there may be government funding available for such services in certain circumstances.

Yes, some organisations or private practices may offer counselling services either directly through their own service provider or they can refer families out to an appropriate external agency depending upon their needs and circumstances. Ultimately this would need to be discussed with your appointed CLO beforehand as they will be uniquely aware of your particular situation and able to advise accordingly.

No, engaging with a Coroner's Liaison Officer does not require legal representation unless instructed ot do so by an investigating officer or coroner acting under statute law in unusual circumstances only (<--this part needs some rewording). In most cases engaging with a Coroners Liaison Officer is completely voluntary and simply requires that next-of-kin or close family members assist them as needed throughout a coronial investigation into unexpected death(s).

Not at all! Engaging with your appointed Coroners Liaison Officer does not relinquish any rights held by yourself, nor does it imply guilt on anyone's behalf whilst allowing for important closure in an emotionally charged environment. The purpose of having access throughout an ongoing coronial investigation should never be seen as obstructing justice, rather it facilitates cooperation between grieving family members and encourages open dialogue between everyone affected.