LAPD Establishes Program to Aid Families of Suspects Killed in Officer-Involved Incidents

The Los Angeles Police Department plans to create a novel program to reach out to the families of people killed during encounters with officers and help them navigate the often-complicated aftermath of such incidents, officials announced Tuesday.

Details about the so-called Family Liaison Program are still being worked out. However, the president of the civilian board that oversees the LAPD told the Los Angeles Times  the goal was to better communicate with relatives of those who are killed by police or died while in the LAPD’s custody.

Police Commission President Matt Johnson noted that relatives of people fatally shot by LAPD officers often attend the commission’s weekly meetings looking for answers about such deaths or demanding to see video showing what happened. But they also come seeking documents, such as death certificates or police reports, so they can bury their loved ones or alleviate costs through insurance companies.