Death Notifications

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Who is responsible for notifying the survivors of criminal homicides?

Uniform Patrol Bureau (UPB) officers

Traffic Unit officers

Criminal Investigations Bureau (CIB) officers

Homicide Unit Detectives (correct)

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?

Request backup from the Homicide Unit

Contact the Criminal Investigations Bureau (CIB) (correct)

Notify the Traffic Unit

Notify the Douglas County Coroner immediately

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

Traffic Unit officers

Douglas County Coroner

Original responding officer (correct)

Homicide Unit Detectives

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

By an on-duty UPB sergeant who assigns it to a UPB officer Signup and view all the answers

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

Document efforts to notify survivors Signup and view all the answers

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

Homicide Unit Detectives Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the text?

To discuss the importance of accurate identification in death cases Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

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

Confirm the true identity of the deceased Signup and view all the answers

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

Dental records Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

What should officers avoid saying during a death notification?

"Your son passed away." Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

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

Begin by stating, "I have some very bad news to tell you" Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

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

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

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