Interview with Mrs. Marilyn Hanna (From Treating Police Stress: The Work and the Words of Peer Counselors, P 189-200, 2002, John M. Madonna, Jr. and Richard E. Kelly, -- See NCJ-197081)

• NCJ Number: 197096
• Author(s): John Madonna
• Date Published: 2002
• Length: 12 pages
• Sale Source: Charles C. Thomas
• Publication Format: Book (Hardbound)
• Publication Type: Case Study
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

This chapter presents the transcript of an interview with the widow of a police officer killed in the line of duty; the interview focuses on how the members of the department's stress unit helped her and her family during the intense grieving period, as well as the widow's own current involvement in helping the widows of deceased officers deal with their grief.

Abstract

One of the issues discussed is the importance of having a peer counselor from the stress unit who has been through the grieving experience occasioned by the sudden death of a loved one. This establishes credibility with the grieving party as well as a sense that the counselor has guidance to share based on personal experience. Another issue discussed is the procedure for selecting police personnel to serve on the stress unit. Psychological testing is discussed as well as the importance of a commitment to being available for those in need 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Also discussed in the interview is the importance of the stress unit's maintaining contact with the deceased officer's family well beyond a month following the death. Such contact involves continuing to listen and respond to the painful feelings and significant problems that arise in trying to adjust to the loss and continue on with the responsibility of raising children and maintaining the stability of the family.