FLOs are usually assigned in any situation where a point of contact between the family and the police is deemed essential, such as a murder investigation or a case of a missing child.
Since 1999, British police forces have also assigned FLOs to assist families who have lost relatives in terrorist attacks or major disasters.
The British Armed Forces also have Royal Military Police-trained FLOs for families of deceased personnel.
In the United States Family Liaison Officers are utilized by the National Park Service to support ongoing rescues, recoveries and investigations.
Course content includes talks from surviving victims or their families, team building exercises, and studying of computer presentations.