NCJ Number
96865
Date Published
1984
Length
37 pages
Annotation
This report presents guidelines for New Jersey's law enforement officers for dealing with families of homicide and sudden death victims, focusing on notification of death, release of information and property, and rendering other assistance.
Abstract
Guidelines regarding notification of death suggest that a police officer notify the next of kin in person, preferably using two officers, with one in uniform. Other guidelines cover the communication of facts about the circumstances of death, an explanation of what cooperation police may expect from an explanation what cooperation police may expect from the survivor, and procedures to follow when survivors can not be located immediately. Recommended procedures for the release of information and property are designed to alleviate the frustration often experienced by the victim's next of kin. The guidelines recommend that each law enforcement agency designate one staff member to coordinate the dissemination of information in all cases of sudden and unexpected death. Other areas considered are autopsy reports, information released to the media, and returning the victim's personal property. The report recommends that police, mortuary personnel, and hospital personnel refer the victim's family to such community resources as financial aid, counseling, and support groups. The final guidelines on case status suggest that survivors have the same rights as victims and witnesses to be informed of their cases' progress and to make victim impact statements. The appendixes contain a list of New Jersey's medical examiners and agencies which provide assistance to survivors, along with the New Jersey Supreme Court's Statement of Principles and Guidelines for Reporting Criminal Procedures.