NCJ Number
197095
Date Published
2002
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This chapter presents the transcript of an interview with the widow of a State trooper killed while performing his duties as a police helicopter pilot; the interview focuses on how a member of the police department's stress unit helped the deceased officer's wife and children cope with his death.
Abstract
Immediately after the accident, the department assigned Alyce Risteen, a peer member of the stress unit, to the family to help in any way she could. From her first contact with the widow on the day of her husband's death, the peer counselor's friendship with the widow and her sons developed into a close bond in which Alyce was constantly accessible and responsive to the needs of the family. In the interview, the widow indicates that the most helpful aspect of the friendship was having the assurance that Alyce would be in touch or could be called about any matter. Telephone calls, voice messages, notes, and visits maintained the contact through the early days of grieving. Alyce's most appreciated resource was her ability to listen and understand what the family was experiencing, while also providing practical help and information. When asked about the most important service a police organization could provide the family of a deceased officer, the widow indicated the importance of getting to the family as soon as possible after the incident, having someone care for the children, taking the spouse to the injured officer, and listening to and respecting the wishes of the family.