By George Hunter
The Detroit News
DETROIT — Detroit police officials have launched a unit dedicated to helping victims of violent crime and their families by providing information about their cases and emotional support.
The Family Advocate and Manager Liaison for Engagement (FAMLE) Unit will connect violent crime victims and their relatives to services, said Detroit police Chief James White. The unit will consist of sworn and civilian Detroit Police Department employees.
“Our investigators do a great job at balancing their work to find those responsible for crimes and communicating updates with families,” White said in a statement. “It’s a difficult task, and to support them and our families, we are centralizing the resources we have to offer under one unit. FAMLE will refocus our efforts to engage and inform victims’ families as we work to bring them closure.”
According to a DPD news release, the new unit’s mission “is to offer compassionate advocacy, guidance and resources to families impacted by violent crime. Through this effort, we will ensure that the voices of affected families are heard and their needs met throughout the investigative process.”
“FAMLE seeks to strengthen the bond between law enforcement and the community by promoting transparency, empathy and a commitment to justice, all while providing crucial emotional and informational support to families during times of crisis,” the department said.
The FAMLE unit can be reached at (313) 596-2260.
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