NCJ Number
124533
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 38 Issue: 6 Dated: (June 1990) Pages: 34-38
Date Published
1990
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Plans for line-of-duty deaths in small departments should address notification of the officer's family, news media coverage, family needs, investigation of the death, and aftereffects.
Abstract
The deceased officer's family should be immediately notified by a designated officer, who should be thoroughly briefed on the circumstances of the death and capable of responding constructively to the family's sorrow. The name of the deceased officer should not be released to the media until after notification of the family. A policy for dealing with the news media at the death of an officer should be predetermined and balance the concerns of sensitivity to the family and media reporting responsibilities. A policy to meet family needs should encompass ongoing contacts with the family from departmental representatives, assistance in receiving financial benefits, and information on the investigation of the death. The investigation should be completed properly and professionally. The departmental policy should also focus on the death's impact on other officers. Those officers who may have witnessed the death should be required to see a mental health professional.