Question reference: S5W-21303
- Asked by: Angela Constance, MSP for Almond Valley, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 30 January 2019
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Current status: Answered by Humza Yousaf on 26 February 2019
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether Police Scotland should have a duty to treat the families of resident Scots who have died abroad in suspicious circumstances in the same manner as it would had the incident occurred in Scotland.
Answer
It is important to remember that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office are responsible for providing consular support to families whose loved ones have died abroad. However, throughout any investigation process, the family must be treated with respect and in accordance with their needs.
The police have a positive duty to communicate effectively and inclusively with the bereaved family and when a police investigation is required, Police Scotland Family Liaison Officers (FLOs) may be deployed to assist in the circumstances outlined in my answer.