NCJ Number
162329
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 65 Issue: 2/3 Dated: (February/March 1996) Pages: 22-27
Date Published
1996
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article discusses law enforcement policy issues involved in dealing with line-of-duty deaths and recommends appropriate responses to victims' family survivors and coworkers.
Abstract
Law enforcement is a high-risk occupation; police agencies have an obligation to their officers and the officers to their families to prepare for such tragedies as death from accidents and felonious assaults. Preparation should include educating officers about emergency notification of family members, funeral arrangements, survivor benefits, counseling options, and departmental support to survivors. Each agency should develop a family support team to provide a structured response to survivors. Such teams would include: command liaison, benefits coordinator, financial coordinator, chaplain or minister, and family liaison. The article proposes agency family support actions in the first months after an officer's death as well as long-term support, and offers suggestions concerning personal and public memorials. Endnotes