Kansas City Police Procedures

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Questions and Answers

What should take precedence in the notification process during line-of-duty deaths?

Formal reports

Timeliness (correct)

Family preferences

Protocol adherence

What is required for a Notification Officer when making a notification?

To wait for the family to reach the site

To notify the family over the phone

To be accompanied by a police chaplain and Chief of Police or designee (correct)

To notify alone without any accompaniment

What should the Notification Officer do if a family member can reach the hospital before the member's death?

Gather more information about the incident

Promptly assist the family member to the hospital (correct)

Inform the family member over the phone

Wait for the police chaplain to arrive

Which of the following information should be gathered before contacting family members?

Approximate time of death or injury Signup and view all the answers

When should KCFD personnel be requested to stand by?

Whenever the health of a family member is a concern Signup and view all the answers

What immediate perception might a family member have upon seeing the Notification Officer?

They will suspect something is wrong Signup and view all the answers

What should the Notification Officer avoid doing when gathering information about an incident?

Waiting for the appropriate personnel to arrive Signup and view all the answers

Which component should NOT be included in the information gathered by the Notification Officer?

Historical context of officer's career Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the Notification Officer?

To notify the member's family of the incident Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for designating the Notification Officer in the absence of the Chief or Bureau Commander?

The senior ranking officer at the scene Signup and view all the answers

What is essential to restrict during notifications of line-of-duty incidents?

Communication to the media Signup and view all the answers

Which individual category best describes the Hospital Liaison Member?

The first supervisor arriving at the hospital Signup and view all the answers

What procedure should be followed regarding the release of the affected member's name to the media?

Request the media withhold the name until the family is notified Signup and view all the answers

In a situation of line-of-duty injury, what is the recommended mode of communication?

Telephone communication Signup and view all the answers

What is a key concern members should be aware of during a line-of-duty incident?

Extensive external monitoring of police frequencies Signup and view all the answers

What rank must the Notification Officer at least hold?

Sergeant or supervisor title Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances should a notification be made on the doorstep?

If entry into the location is refused Signup and view all the answers

What terminology should be used when informing a family about a deceased member?

Died and dead Signup and view all the answers

What is an acceptable reaction for the Notification Officer when delivering difficult news?

Show emotions as it is perfectly acceptable Signup and view all the answers

If a family member insists on driving themselves to the hospital, what should the officer do?

Ask to accompany them in the family car Signup and view all the answers

What should the Notification Officer do if young children or persons with special needs are at home during the notification?

Ensure immediate care needs are addressed Signup and view all the answers

Who should the Notification Officer notify by phone when family members are en route to the hospital?

Senior ranking member at the hospital Signup and view all the answers

What kind of support can families request from the Department during the notification process?

Assistance from a specific Department member Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of the Hospital Liaison Member?

To coordinate various procedural actions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Purpose of Procedural Instruction

Establishes procedures for notifying families about line-of-duty deaths or critical injuries of police members.

Terminology

Hospital Liaison Member: First supervisor arriving at the hospital.
Notification Officer: Designated by Chief of Police or Bureau Commander, must hold at least sergeant rank. Responsible for family notification.

Notification Process

Be aware of extensive media monitoring of police frequencies, especially during an on-duty death.
Communications should be telephone-based to maintain privacy until next-of-kin are informed.
Family notification must precede any media release of the member's name.

Guidelines for Notification Officers

Timeliness is crucial; prioritize notifying the family over strict protocol.
In-person notifications are required, never alone; accompanied by a police chaplain and Chief or designee.
Do not delay notification if the family member can reach the hospital before the member's death.

Information to Gather Before Notification

Gather a brief incident description, cause, and location of death/injury.
Note if a suspect has been apprehended and the approximate time of the incident.
Understand the affected member's location and the status of their personal property.

Considerations During Notification

KCFD personnel should stand by if family health concerns arise.
Enter the premises for notification; use doorstep as a last resort.
Use direct terms like "died" and "dead" to avoid giving false hope.
Emotions may be high; showing feelings is acceptable for the Notification Officer.
Be prepared for various family reactions such as hysteria or denial.

Transport and Support for Family

Recommend police transport for family members to the hospital; avoid letting them drive unless necessary.
Plan for the presence of young children or special needs individuals and arrange for their care.
Notify senior hospital member by phone about family en route when possible.

Follow-Up and Coordination

Notify the Chief of Police or designee post-notification.
Family may ask for a specific Department member for support and emotional assistance; convey this request to senior ranks.

Role of Hospital Liaison Member

Responsible for further coordination at the hospital following the initial notification process.

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Description

This quiz covers the procedural instructions established by the Kansas City Missouri Police Department for notifying a member's family in the event of a line-of-duty death or critical injury. Understand the importance of these protocols and the steps involved in compassionate communication during difficult times.