NCJ Number
102985
Date Published
1986
Length
72 pages
Annotation
These New Jersey guidelines for police services to families of homicide and sudden death victims encompass death notification, release of information and property, general assistance, information on case status, and victim organ donations.
Abstract
Types of death subject to these guidelines are homicide (including manslaughter), and death by auto, suicide, fatal accident, drowning, poisoning, and fire. Guidelines for the death notification advise that it should be made by two officers in person, with at least one in uniform. The guidelines further detail how the officers are to give the notification. Guidelines for the release of the victim's property and information on the circumstances of the death are intended to reduce the trauma and frustration associated with these matters. A principal recommendation is that a police agency designate a person to coordinate the dissemination of information in sudden death cases. Guidelines for general family assistance encompass financial assistance and the referral of family members to appropriate support groups and other community services. In deaths involving ongoing criminal case processing, the guidelines advise that the family be notified of the status and outcome of the case and victim rights associated with such cases. The guidelines also cover the provision of information to the family on organ donations. Appended information on relevant policy statements and New Jersey legislation.