32 Questions
Who is responsible for notifying the survivors of criminal homicides?
Homicide Unit Detectives
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?
Contact the Criminal Investigations Bureau (CIB)
In the event of a natural death or suicide, who is responsible for notifying the immediate survivor(s)?
Original responding officer
When are death notifications requested by other jurisdictions or persons handled?
By an on-duty UPB sergeant who assigns it to a UPB officer
What is the responsibility of the Traffic Unit in relation to notifying survivors?
Document efforts to notify survivors
If requested, who will assist the Douglas County Coroner in locating survivors and identifying the deceased?
Homicide Unit Detectives
What is the primary purpose of the text?
To discuss the importance of accurate identification in death cases
In the case of a completed suicide, what is the recommended approach when speaking to the family?
Acknowledge the possibility of misidentification and offer support while the identification process is ongoing
If fingerprint identification is impossible due to severe decomposition or injuries, what should the officers do?
Be honest with the family about the challenges and steps being taken for positive identification
If a death notification is made in error, what is the first step the officers should take?
Confirm the true identity of the deceased
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a potential means of identifying the deceased when fingerprints are unavailable?
Dental records
Which of the following is NOT a step to be taken in case of a mistaken death notification?
Apologize to the family for the mistake and provide counseling support
What should an officer do if there is no associated OPD RB number when delivering an out-of-jurisdiction notification?
Complete an Information Report with a new RB number to document the notification
According to the policy, who should preferably accompany an OPD officer when delivering a death notification?
A police chaplain, OPD co-responder, spiritual leader, or a close friend
When delivering a death notification, what should officers do if the health of immediate survivors is a concern?
Request emergency medical services to stand by
What should officers avoid saying during a death notification?
"Your son passed away."
If survivors ask a question that OPD officers cannot answer during a death notification, what should the officers do?
Get back to the survivor when the information is available
According to the policy, what should officers do if a survivor cannot be located for a death notification?
Leave a message at their residence and/or place of business to request they contact the appropriate on-duty UPB sergeant
When should officers offer to call a friend or family member to support the survivor during a death notification?
Always, as part of the standard notification procedure
What should officers do if a survivor insists on driving themselves to the hospital after receiving a death notification?
An officer or another person should accompany and/or follow the survivor to the hospital
According to the policy, what should officers do if child-care is needed for a survivor's children during a death notification?
Contact the Child Special Victims Unit (CSVU) to arrange for child-care
When delivering a death notification, what should officers do to show compassion?
Begin by stating, "I have some very bad news to tell you"
What is the primary role of the UPB sergeant in the notification process?
To designate a UPB officer and another person to notify the survivor in person
In addition to the UPB officer, who else may be designated to notify the survivor?
Both a police chaplain or a spiritual leader, and a close friend or an OPD co-responder
What information should be documented in the OPD Supplementary Report by the officers involved in the notification process?
The time of the notification, the survivor's name, date of birth, address, phone number, other relevant details, and the officer's role in the notification
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?
Talk with the family member in private, away from bystanders, and provide appropriate information that does not compromise the investigation
In cases where a family member has received information about their loved one's potential death before positive identification, what should officers do?
Notify the supervisor in command of the investigation about the situation
What should officers do if a family member arrives at the hospital before positive identification of their loved one?
Work with hospital staff to identify a private room for the family members to gather
In cases where positive identification has not been made, what should officers advise the family members regarding the identification process?
Advise them that positive identification will be made as soon as possible, and explain any potential complications or reasons for delay
What is the purpose of providing a possible message to the family members before positive identification, as outlined in the text?
To prepare them for the possibility that their loved one may not be the victim
What is the significance of avoiding misidentification in cases of death, as mentioned in the text?
All of the above
What resources may be offered to the family members while awaiting positive identification?
All of the above
Learn about the policy and procedure followed by the Omaha Police Department (OPD) for notifying survivors of criminal homicides in a compassionate and professional manner. Understand the responsibilities of the Homicide Unit and procedures involved in notifying immediate survivor(s).
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