Death Notification - The Theory and Practice of Informing Survivors

• NCJ Number: 93119
• Journal: Journal of Police Science and Administration Volume: 12 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1984) Pages: 109-116
• Author(s): J E Hendricks
• Date Published: 1984
• Length: 8 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

Police training in death notification should include consideration of the stages of crisis resolution and death notification procedures.

Abstract

The crisis intervenor/death notifier should bring direction and empathy to the situation as well as provide for referral. At the same time, the intervenor should help the survivor return to precrisis levels of coping. Understanding Lindemann's grief stages, which are shock and disbelief, developing awareness, and resolving the loss, facilitates performance of these tasks. Trust is an important element in crisis intervention. Trust can be inspired by demonstrating competence and by exhibiting such qualities as empathy, understanding, and likability. Although notifiers should not directly experience the total emotional trauma of the survivor, they can discuss their own feelings and thoughts to aid the survivor in venting his/her emotions. Well-developed procedures are also important in death notification. The first step is to gather clear, concise, complete, and accurate information on the deceased and the survivors. The second step is control/direction, which involves gaining entrance into the home, delivering the notice in stages, allowing the survivor time to absorb the news, and possibly contact friends or family to stay with the survivor. The third step involves assessing the behavior of the survivor, which includes identifying extreme and possible dangerous reactions. If it appears that the survivor is suicidal or not in control, then a crisis intervention agency should be alerted. The notifier should not leave until a professionally trained intervenor arrives or until a stable family member or friend is present. The final step is referral, which includes providing written information about funeral directors, coroner procedures, police procedures, court processes, and other details such as how to view and secure the body. The notifier may also decide to refer the survivor to a social service agency or provide directions to any agency listed in the written information. Thirteen references are listed.