Liaison Officer Research Articles

Assessing the Impact of Mass Media in Investigation of Cases in the Criminal Justice System of Uganda

This article assesses the impact of mass media in investigation of cases in the criminal justice system of Uganda. The study reveals that the media, through its depictions of crime, significantly influences public perception and understanding of criminal justice. Moreover, we found that the evolution of technology, specifically social media, plays a substantial role in media criminology. On this note, the article calls for force media liaison officers should be formally members of management teams within serious crime investigations, at least for the initial phase of the investigation when press interest is likely to be at its height. Second, investigators could achieve this by participating in joint exercises with media liaison and exposing them to a variety of media handling scenarios and exercises. Third, we should also consider introducing investigators to the principles of media handling in criminal investigations at an earlier stage in their careers. Fourth, there should be more effort to improve communications between press and media officers, as well as CID. This could be achieved through a combination of workshops and short secondments of junior officers in media offices. Finally, as part of ongoing family liaison, we should monitor and address the media’s impact on the relatives of victims. At the earliest opportunity, family liaison officers should provide relatives with copies of all formal press statements. Keywords: Court trial, Crime, Criminal justice system, Investigation, Mass media.

Effectiveness of a Disability Liaison Officer service in a metropolitan emergency department.

To identify the influence of a Disability Liaison Officer (DLO) service in the ED setting on people with disability (PWD). For this project, PWD included adults with communication disability, intellectual disability or autism spectrum disorder. This was a single-centre retrospective cohort study, at an adult major referral ED in Melbourne, Australia. Patients were eligible for inclusion if they were ≥18 years of age, presented to the ED between 1 April 2022 and 30 April 2023, and had a disability alert in their electronic medical record. Eligible patients were divided into two cohorts: (i) patients managed using standard ED care and (ii) patients managed using DLO model. ED length of stay (LOS) was the main outcome measure. After adjusting for baseline differences in age, initial GCS and disability type, the DLO service was associated with earlier disposition from the ED (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.44; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.23-1.69; P < 0.001). For the subgroup of patients discharged directly from the ED, the association of DLO service and earlier disposition remained statistically significant (aHR 2.47; 95% CI: 1.83-3.33; P < 0.001). Among patients admitted to the emergency short stay unit (aHR 1.67; 95% CI: 0.99-2.80; P = 0.06), and those admitted to inpatient wards (aHR 0.89; 95% CI: 0.65-1.23; P = 0.50), there was no significant association of the DLO service with time to disposition. The DLO service was associated with a reduction in ED LOS for PWD. Further assessment of the service using patient- and carer-reported outcome measures and cost-effectiveness studies are indicated.

The Role of the South Sumatera Regional Liaison Office of the Judicial Commission in Monitoring the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections Towards a Clean Judiciary

The simultaneous implementation of national and regional elections in 2024 presents significant challenges for Indonesia's democratic journey, particularly in ensuring a fair, transparent, and corruption-free process. In this context, the role of the South Sumatera Regional Liaison Office of the Judicial Commission is crucial in overseeing the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections towards the establishment of a clean judiciary. This office is responsible for monitoring and maintaining the integrity of judicial processes, particularly in resolving any election disputes that may arise. By enforcing strict oversight of judges' conduct and educating the public on the importance of legal awareness, the Judicial Commission Liaison Office strives to ensure that the electoral process aligns with democratic principles of justice. Through outreach, court monitoring, and receiving public complaints, the office actively works to prevent abuses of power and uphold judicial independence. These efforts are expected to enhance the quality of the election administration and strengthen public trust in the judicial system, thereby creating a conducive and clean legal environment in South Sumatera during the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections.

Pénzügyőrök az Europolban A Nemzeti Adó- és Vámhivatal, valamint jogelődje a Vám- és Pénzügyőrség részvétele az Európai Rendőrségi Hivatal munkájában

Aim: To give an overview of the cooperation between Europol and the National Tax and Customs Administration. Methodology: The different areas of cooperation are presented by the authors based on the review of the available documents, the factual examination of the data and the experiences of conversations with liaison officers. Findings: The National Tax and Customs Administration and its legal predecessor, the Hungarian Customs and Financial Guard, have been participating in the work of Europol since 2002. During this period, it was constantly present with liaison officers in joint tasks. NTCA’s financial officers and investigators try to make full use of the support provided by Europol, but at the same time, given the global nature of serious international and organised crime, it is necessary to constantly examine the further possibilities inherent in cooperation. Value: The article adequately reviews and presents the relationship between the HCFG, later the NTCA and Europol, as well as the strategic and practical results resulting from it. During the interviews with the liaison officers, the authors got to know the practical aspects of the cooperation in depth and presented them in this article.

Financial guards at Europol. Participation of the National Tax and Customs Administration and its predecessor, the Hungarian Customs and Finance Guard in the workof the European Union Agencyfor Law Enforcement Cooperation

Aim: To give an overview of the cooperation between Europol and the National Tax and Customs Administration. Methodology: The different areas of cooperation are presented by the authors based on the review of the available documents, the factual examination of the data and the experiences of conversations with liaison officers. Findings: The National Tax and Customs Administration and its legal predecessor, the Hungarian Customs and Financial Guard, have been participating in the work of Europol since 2002. During this period, it was constantly present with liaison officers in joint tasks. NTCA’s financial officers and investigators try to make full use of the support provided by Europol, but at the same time, given the global nature of serious international and organised crime, it is necessary to constantly examine the further possibilities inherent in cooperation. Value: The article adequately reviews and presents the relationship between the HCFG, later the NTCA and Europol, as well as the strategic and practical results resulting from it. During the interviews with the liaison officers, the authors got to know the practical aspects of the cooperation in depth and presented them in this article.

Europol 25, Hungary 20

Aim: Europol has evolved over the last quarter of a century, as its legal framework has changed in line with EU requirements, and its tasks have expanded and its network of contacts has become more extensive. Methodology: Beyond the national offices of EU Member States, close cooperation is now possible across several continents through operational, strategic and working agreements with third countries. Findings: The unique use of a liaison officer system and participation in joint investigation teams helps to build trust-based relationships. Over the years, several specialised crime centres have been set up. Value: In Hungary, the design of the national unit has been developed in line with EU expectations and has adapted continuously over the last twenty years to the changes at Europol.

Europol 25, Magyarország 20

Aim: Europol has evolved over the last quarter of a century, as its legal framework has changed in line with EU requirements, and its tasks have expanded and its network of contacts has become more extensive. Methodology: Beyond the national offices of EU Member States, close cooperation is now possible across several continents through operational, strategic and working agreements with third countries. Findings: The unique use of a liaison officer system and participation in joint investigation teams helps to build trust-based relationships. Over the years, several specialised crime centres have been set up. Value: In Hungary, the design of the national unit has been developed in line with EU expectations and has adapted continuously over the last twenty years to the changes at Europol.

Externalization Beyond “Immigration Risk”? UK Borderwork Creep in Africa and its Cumulative Rippling Effects

This article examines UK “borderwork creep” into ever more sites in states across Africa and considers how it is transformed and produced by practitioners on the ground. The aim is to go beyond research focusing on the EU and Northern and Western Africa to show the more expansive and, in some cases, unexpected reach of UK borderwork. Drawing on interviews, documentary research, and freedom of information requests, I find UK-funded “training” and “capacity building” in 17 African states. This creep, in many cases, is driven less by the UK perceptions of “immigration risk” and more by opportunism based on African counterparts’ interests and the ability of UK immigration liaison officers to establish relationships on the ground. This complicates conventional narratives, and government claims, where externalization is largely seen as a response to perceived “migration crises” and increases in “unwanted” and illegalized mobility. The paper adds to the rich and growing body of research on externalization in Africa by attuning specifically to the productive role of relationships and cumulative dimensions, which have received limited attention to-date. It does so by proposing the metaphor of rippling to better highlight how previous actions and interactions build on each other and spread outward, generating new actions. The result is UK borderwork diffused and distanced from the original goals of externalized migration control.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Attitudes to Organ Donation in Central Australia: A Qualitative Pilot Study.

Organ transplantation is a well-established intervention but is reliant on the donation of organs and tissues, mostly from deceased donors. The proportion of Australians proceeding to organ donation (OD) has increased, but the proportion of Indigenous Australians proceeding remains two-thirds that of non-Indigenous Australians. We sought to explore perceived barriers and enablers for the involvement of Indigenous peoples in the OD process. Qualitative methodology centered around focus groups was used to capture the experiences and perspectives of Indigenous people regarding OD. A purposively sampled group of Aboriginal Liaison Officers working within the Alice Springs Hospital Intensive Care Unit (ASH ICU) participated in up to 6 focus groups during 2021 with subsequent thematic analysis of the enablers and barriers to Indigenous participation in the OD process. The ASH ICU is the only ICU servicing Central Australia, and 70% of admissions are Indigenous patients. Four primary themes emerged: OD is a new and culturally taboo topic; conversations related to OD are confronting; education is needed (both about OD and cultural education for clinicians); and lack of trust in the healthcare system. There are cultural barriers to engaging in the OD process and clinicians need more training on the delivery of culturally safe communication is needed. Despite this, there was a recognition that OD is important. Education about OD needs to be place based, culturally and linguistically appropriate, informed by local knowledge, delivered in community, and occur before a family member is admitted to ICU.

Discharge against medical advice in rural and remote emergency departments: views of healthcare providers.

The aim of the study was to explore, in one remote hospital, emergency department healthcare providers' experience and perceptions of the factors surrounding a patient's decision to discharge against medical advice (DAMA). The secondary objective was to gain insight into staff experiences of the current protocols for managing DAMA cases and explore their recommendations for reducing DAMA incidence. This was a cross-sectional study involving a survey and semi-structured interviews exploring healthcare providers' (n=19) perceptions of factors perceived to be influencing DAMA, current practice for managing DAMA and recommendations for practice improvements. Health professionals (doctors, nurses, Aboriginal Health Workers) all worked in the emergency department of a remote community hospital, Queensland, Australia. Responses relating to influencing factors for DAMA were provided on a three-point rating scale from 'no influence/little influence' to 'very strong influence'. DAMA management protocol responses were a three-point rating scale from 'rarely/never' to 'always'. Semi-structured interviews were conducted after the survey and explored participants' perceptions in greater detail and current DAMA management protocol. Feedback from the total of 19 participants across the professions presented four prominent yet interconnected themes: patient, culture, health service and health provider, and health literacy and education-related factors. Factors that were perceived to have a strong influence on DAMA events included alcohol and drug abuse (100%), a lack of culturally sensitive healthcare services (94.7%), and family commitments or obligations (89.5%). Healthcare provider recommendations for preventing DAMA presented themes of right communication, culturally safe care (right place, right time) and the right staff to support DAMA prevention. The healthcare providers described the pivotal role the Indigenous Liaison Officer (ILO) plays and the importance of this position being filled. DAMA is a multifaceted issue, influenced by both personal and hospital system-related factors. Participants agreed that the presence of ILO and/or Aboriginal Health Workers in the emergency department may reduce DAMA occurrences for Indigenous Australians who are disproportionately represented in DAMA rates, particularly in rural and remote regions of Australia.

Henry Holdship Ware: a U.S. Military Interpreter, a Soviet Spy, and an Economist

This article looks at the life of Henry Holdship Ware (1908-1999), the grandson of the founder of Atlanta University. Captain Henry H. Ware was an aide and interpreter to Major General John Deane, Chief of the U.S. Military Mission to the Soviet Union during World War 2. In this capacity, he was an interpreter with the U.S. Army assigned to the Tripartite Conference in Moscow (1943) and Conferences at Tehran (1943) and Yalta (1945), and a liaison officer and interpreter during Operation Frantic, a joint American-Soviet campaign of shuttle bombing missions in Poltava, Ukraine, in June–September 1944. He was also present at the official surrender of the armed forces of Nazi Germany at Karlshorst on May 8, 1945, and interpreted toasts at the banquet of celebration after the ceremony. Henry Ware learnt Russian during his five-year stay as a student at Plekhanov Institute in Moscow, where he studied economics and was recruited by the NKVD to report on the American community in Moscow. Back in the USA, he was independently recruited by the Golos-Bentley Soviet espionage network under the codename ‘Vick”. In 1975, probably inspired by his study of the Soviet economy, he founded the Useful Services Exchange (USE), a community-based organization in Reston, Virginia, enabling neighbors to help each other through the exchange of services. The discussion draws on available visuals, memoirs, newspaper sources, and declassified documents.

Barriers and Enablers for Accessing Rehabilitation Services: Findings From the Rehabilitation Choices Study, Part 1—Healthcare Professionals' Perspectives

ABSTRACTIntroductionGlobally, there is an increasing demand for quality medical rehabilitation services. This is the first article of a two‐part series showing the findings from the Rehabilitation Choices study in which the main aim was to understand the current landscape of decision‐making, enablers and barriers to access appropriate rehabilitation services in the Australian setting. In Part 1, these insights were sought from a healthcare professionals' perspective.MethodsThis was an exploratory, qualitative study, using semi‐structured interviews with a discussion guide that was codesigned together with rehabilitation clinicians and rehabilitation researchers. Themes and sub‐themes were identified using an inductive approach.ResultsWe interviewed a heterogeneous group of 31 professionals who are involved in making referral decisions about rehabilitation or who design and deliver rehabilitation programs, including specialist rehabilitation physicians and other medical doctors across in‐patient, outpatient, and primary care settings, allied health professionals, rehabilitation service managers, nurses, multicultural health liaison officers and rehabilitation research scientists. Three key themes relevant to barriers and enablers to service access were identified from the data: defining rehabilitation; a lack of timely access to patient and rehabilitation service data; and patient diversity not expected by the system.ConclusionsHealthcare professionals who make decisions about rehabilitation referrals and services feel that it was necessary for them to keep up to date with information relating to rehabilitation services. There was some concern regarding what rehabilitation constituted and what services were available for different clinical indications. They also indicated that current systems did not consider diversity among patients' needs and goals. Their recommendations included the need for better communication pathways, improved referral systems and resources that could help provide best practice of rehabilitative care in the future.Patient or Public ContributionThree study team members had a lived experience of rehabilitation as a patient or carer, and previous experience participating in qualitative research. They worked with the study team to codesign the recruitment strategy, participant‐facing communications, the interview discussion guide, and the approach to the conduct of activities with participants and in the interpretation and contextualization of findings and all were involved in writing this manuscript.

Temporal Wildlife Crime Trend and Sociodemographic Attributes of Offenders in Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal

Abstract Wildlife crime has emerged as one of the most crucial threats to biodiversity conservation and is particularly severe in south and southeast Asia. Addressing the ever-increasing challenges of wildlife crime in Nepal requires strategies informed by rigorous analysis of spatiotemporal patterns of wildlife crime. However, little do we know about the nature and trends of wildlife crimes in Nepal. Retrieving the information on the registered wild-life crime cases of Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) from the Annapurna Conservation Area Liaison Office (ACALO) and Kaski District Court, this study assessed the temporal trend and spatial pattern of wildlife crime in the ACA from 1994 to 2019. Additionally, this study assessed the sociodemographic characteristics of the people convicted in wildlife crime cases. A total of 48 cases of crimes were registered over the last 25 years among which the majority of the cases were of poaching and wildlife trophies transportation (89.6%) mainly from Kaski district (60%). For those cases, a total of 132 people were convicted (65% from local villages and 35% from outside the ACA). About 68% of the convicted perpetrators were from Janajati ethnicity with poor economic conditions. These inferences emphasize the necessity of understanding the severity and pattern of the crime to prevent it by synthesizing and implementing conservation programs such as educating targeted groups and providing alternative sources of income.

‘Don’t talk to them!’ on the promise and the pitfalls of liaison policing at COP26

ABSTRACT Initially introduced and hailed as means of offering more democratic and facilitative policing, but increasingly subject to question by protestors, Police Liaison Teams (PLTs) are one of the primary tactical options used by Public Order Police in the UK. This paper will analyse the deployment of PLTs over the 14 days of the global COP26 summit in Glasgow in 2021. The police plan for the event emphasised Human Rights, dialogue and facilitation, but some protest groups accused PLTs of ‘intelligence-gathering’ and urged activists not to speak to them. This paper draws on participant observation and interviews with both police and protestors to analyse the deployment of PLTs at the summit and consider why some groups chose not to engage with the liaison officers. Responding to calls for more evidence-based analyses of PLT deployment, we highlight the difficulties of police-protestor liaison at a Global Summit and outline why protest groups might choose not to engage.

Policing Vulnerability: The Care and Control of Sex Workers Through Designated Police Officers

Abstract The state’s duty to protect vulnerable people gives rise to powerful forms of social intervention, especially in policing. This article reports from co-produced multimethods research focussed on one form of policing vulnerability within an English police force; the role of a specialist sex worker liaison officer (SWLO). Findings highlight that an enhanced focus on vulnerability through the role was highly valued by sex workers; building trust and improving investigations of crimes against sex workers. However, social control was the defining parameter for the intervention, with different implications across the diversity of the sex industry. Drawing on Gilson’s (2021) intersectional feminist philosophy work, we situate findings within critical attention to policing vulnerability, arguing the embedding of vulnerability within governance apparatus orientated to social control must be met with vigilance if it is to be progressive rather than reactionary.

Understanding referral of patients with cancer in rural Ethiopia: a qualitative study

BackgroundCancer incidence is increasing in Ethiopia mainly due to increased life expectancy, while oncological capacities remain limited. Strong referral linkages between different levels of the healthcare system are key to provide timely access to cancer care. In this qualitative study, we assessed limitations and potential of cancer patient referral in the rural Southwest of Ethiopia.MethodsWe held four focus group discussions (FGD) with health professionals at one primary and three secondary hospitals and conducted eight in-depth interviews (IDI) with the hospitals´ medical executives and local health bureau representatives. Data was analysed inductively using thematic analysis and emerging themes were categorized within the revised concept of access by Penchansky and Saurman.ResultsThe inevitable referral of patients with cancer in the rural Southwest of Ethiopia is characterized by the absence of clear communication protocols and the lack of formal referral linkages. The newly implemented hub-system has improved emergency referrals and could be expanded to non-emergency referrals, sensitive to the needs of advanced oncological care. Liaison officers can pave the way but need to be trained and equipped adequately. Referred patients struggle with inadequate transportation systems, the lack of accommodation close to specialized facilities as well as the inability to navigate at those sites due to language barriers, illiteracy, and stigmatization. Few Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) help but cannot compensate the limited governmental support. The shortage of medications at public hospitals leads to patients being directed to costly private pharmacies. In the light of those challenges, cancer remains to be perceived as a “death sentence” within the rural communities.ConclusionsStandardized referral linkages and a multi-faceted support network throughout the cancer care continuum are necessary to make oncology care accessible to Ethiopia´s large rural population.

Book review: The Australian Botanical Liaison Officer scheme at Kew, 1937–2009

Book review: The Australian Botanical Liaison Officer scheme at Kew, 1937–2009

Barriers to proper maternal referral system in selected health facilities in Eastern Ethiopia: a qualitative study

BackgroundAppropriate maternal referral system plays an essential role in curbing maternal mortality. Although the occurrence of obstetric complications is often unpredictable, addressing bottlenecks of the referral system is crucial to facilitate the women to have access to timely lifesaving interventions. Nonetheless, little is known about the barriers to maternal referral system in the eastern Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the barriers to maternal referral system at selected referral hospitals in eastern Ethiopia.MethodsKey informant interviews and in-depth interviews were conducted among purposively selected respondents who had a role in maternal referral processes. A total of 12 key informants that comprised of liaison officers, healthcare providers and three in-depth interviews with referred women were conducted. Semi-structured interview guide was developed and used to facilitate the interviews. All the interviews were tape recorded, complemented by note taking. Then audio recorded interviews were transcribed as per verbatim and imported to NVivo for coding and merging. The data were thematically synthesized.ResultsThe study identified a range of barriers that affect the maternal referral system in Eastern Ethiopia. The main barriers are grouped into three domains, such as: communication, transportation, and healthcare system. The most commonly reported barriers were lack of pre-referral communication and feedback, using informal communication, incomplete referral forms, poor ambulance service including misuse of ambulances, lack of skilled healthcare escort and lack of medical equipment at emergency, unnecessary self-referrals, poor referral skills and limited number of health professions.ConclusionsThe maternal referral system is overwhelmingly affected by lack of skill, logistics (referral form), misuse of available ambulance, poor communication, and limited seeking of feedback. Regular consultative meeting with relevant stakeholders and uptake of feedback are crucial to improve referral communication, proper use of ambulance and building capacity of health workforce about referral are essential to improve maternal referral system.

These are tenants not guinea pigs: Barriers and facilitators of retrofit in Wales, United Kingdom

Retrofitting existing homes with new energy efficient technologies is essential to reduce emissions and move towards achieving a ‘net zero’ carbon emission target. This paper reports on research that investigated the process of retrofitting new technologies in existing social rented homes in Wales, United Kingdom. It used mixed-methods consisting of pre- and post-retrofit surveys, qualitative interviews with tenants, and a documentary analysis of retrofit tenant engagement materials. Interviews and focus groups were also undertaken with a variety of professionals involved in the delivery of the new technology, including tenant liaison officers, architects, surveyors, and a civil servant.Findings reveal that many of the barriers to deploying new technologies in social rented properties were around communication and information issues. The interface between the technology and residents was a challenge as mechanisms of the new technologies operation and sensors and monitoring were not understood well and residents were kept out of the loop often through digital exclusion. Disruption to norms, the home and everyday practices were also key barriers. Facilitators to successful deployment of new technologies included good tenant engagement, demonstrating and showcasing the technology prior to deployment and actively reducing disruption to norms and practices.Social Practices Theory and Energies Culture Framework describe the findings well, especially around changes in material culture (the actual technology and hardware) and disruption to norms and social practices, which explains how the use of the technology by the residents notably changes and can disrupt their lives. These disruptions create anxiety creating further barriers which can lead to resistance to engaging with the technology. Better communication and more resident involvement and engagement are needed, allowing people ownership and some perceived control over the decision-making, deployment and changes happening to their everyday lives.Findings suggest that communications and trust in the retrofit process are crucial to the success of delivering low-carbon technologies to tenants in social housing. The technology must also be usable and understood by the tenants; exemplar demonstrator properties to help tenants see and understand the technologies are helpful to successful deployment. In conclusion, more involvement of tenants is needed when delivering low-carbon technologies to their homes to resolve further exacerbating the already noticeable inequalities.

Exploring dyadic relationships between Science Parks and universities: bridging theory and practice

This paper delves into the dyadic relationships between Science Parks (SPs) and universities from the perspective of SPs. It explores various dimensions, including organizational functions, co-location, collaboration, management team activities, partnerships, and connections with university students and senior academics. A survey of 120 European SPs underscores the significance of having the University-Industry Liaison Office within the SP, fostering increased collaboration with the local university, providing career opportunities for university students, and promoting alumni network activities. Additionally, the proximity of universities and research institutions within a 50 km radius positively impacts the relationships between SPs and universities. Additionally, the paper offers several managerial implications. Establishing communication channels between SP management and universities fosters an environment that boosts the open exchange of ideas, collaborative discussions, and problem-solving. The alignment of SPs and universities' goals and objectives, particularly in areas such as research themes, industry partnerships, technology transfer, and talent development, further solidifies the mutually advantageous nature of these relationships, establishing a strong foundation for their enhancement. Within the SP environment, universities can closely collaborate with businesses, start-ups, and entrepreneurs, promoting innovation, commercializing research findings, and incubating spin-off ventures.