Death Notifications

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer discusses suggested protocol for officers to consider when death notifications become a part of their responsibility. The phases of death notifications are identified and include what the officer should not do. The writer notes that requiring an officer to make any death notification is difficult but the problem is compounded when the deceased victim is an officer. The writer maintains that line-of-duty deaths are by far the toughest for any law enforcement to deal with. This paper briefly covers the unique circumstances officers must consider when notifying a next of kin after a line-of-duty death. Finally, suggested training techniques conclude this paper. The writer includes personal experiences in the paper.

Outline:
Abstract

From the Paper:

"One late night around 11:00 am, I was radioed in my patrol unit and asked to telephone police dispatch. During this phone conversation, I was told that our agency was notified by a neighboring state agency in reference to a major vehicle accident in that state. The dispatcher was informed that the mother in the vehicle died at the scene and the father was almost certain to die at the hospital. The daughter of the occupants lived locally and the out of state officer wanted me to make the notification of such a tragic event. The only instructions given to me were to withhold the information about the father's almost certain death.
"Although this event took place over one year ago, I can remember vividly making that phone call, receiving my instructions and making a short drive to the daughter's location that seemingly took an eternity."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Hall, M. (1982). Law enforcement officers and death notification: A plea for relevant education. V 10 n2 p.189-193.
• Haddix, R. (19965, Feb-March). Responding to line of duty deaths. The FBI Law Enforcement Bulleting. V65 n 2-3 p.22.
• Kolf, J. (1999). How Can I Help? How to Support Someone Who is Grieving. Fisher Book Tucson, AZ.
• Leash, R. (1994). Death Notification: A Practical Guide to the Process. Upper Access, Inc. Hinesburg, Vermont
• MADD: Mothers Against Drunk Driving, (1996). Breaking the Bad News with concern for the professional and compassion for the survivor: A seminar for Law Enforcement. U. S. Department of Justice, Office of Victims of Crime.

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