Death Notifications

Who is responsible for notifying the survivors of criminal homicides?

What is the procedure when a notifying officer is unable to notify the immediate survivor(s) or identify the deceased party during a death notification?

In the event of a natural death or suicide, who is responsible for notifying the immediate survivor(s)?

When are death notifications requested by other jurisdictions or persons handled?

What is the responsibility of the Traffic Unit in relation to notifying survivors?

If requested, who will assist the Douglas County Coroner in locating survivors and identifying the deceased?

What is the primary purpose of the text?

In the case of a completed suicide, what is the recommended approach when speaking to the family?

If fingerprint identification is impossible due to severe decomposition or injuries, what should the officers do?

If a death notification is made in error, what is the first step the officers should take?

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a potential means of identifying the deceased when fingerprints are unavailable?

Which of the following is NOT a step to be taken in case of a mistaken death notification?

What should an officer do if there is no associated OPD RB number when delivering an out-of-jurisdiction notification?

According to the policy, who should preferably accompany an OPD officer when delivering a death notification?

When delivering a death notification, what should officers do if the health of immediate survivors is a concern?

What should officers avoid saying during a death notification?

If survivors ask a question that OPD officers cannot answer during a death notification, what should the officers do?

According to the policy, what should officers do if a survivor cannot be located for a death notification?

When should officers offer to call a friend or family member to support the survivor during a death notification?

What should officers do if a survivor insists on driving themselves to the hospital after receiving a death notification?

According to the policy, what should officers do if child-care is needed for a survivor's children during a death notification?

When delivering a death notification, what should officers do to show compassion?

What is the primary role of the UPB sergeant in the notification process?

In addition to the UPB officer, who else may be designated to notify the survivor?

What information should be documented in the OPD Supplementary Report by the officers involved in the notification process?

What should officers do if a family member approaches them at a homicide or accident scene, requesting information about their loved one before positive identification?

In cases where a family member has received information about their loved one's potential death before positive identification, what should officers do?

What should officers do if a family member arrives at the hospital before positive identification of their loved one?

In cases where positive identification has not been made, what should officers advise the family members regarding the identification process?

What is the purpose of providing a possible message to the family members before positive identification, as outlined in the text?

What is the significance of avoiding misidentification in cases of death, as mentioned in the text?

What resources may be offered to the family members while awaiting positive identification?