NCJ Number
103184
Date Published
1986
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Police officers need to understand and use the interrelated processes of information gathering, notification, assessment, and referral when informing survivor's of someone's death.
Abstract
The officer's ability to handle death notification effectively can significantly help surviors in resolving their loss. Each death notification is different, but all share certain characteristics. Officers must recognize the importance of their own attitudes and must be honest about their feelings about death. Awkward, matter-of-fact, or overly firm messages are all inappropriate. Officers should deliver the news in a concise, straightfoward, and compassionate manner. They must be prepared to spend the time necessary to calm and comfort the survivor and should provide basic information and referral services if necessary. A second person should accompany the officer during a death notification if possible. They should bring together the adult family members who are at home and notify them all at the same time. They should use plain and straightforward language, but should avoid words or details that would increase the survivor's anguish. They should also evaluate the survivors' physical and emotional condition and their overall environment. Questions to consider in evaluating the survivor, discussion guide, and questions and answers for the reader.