Police Scotland Dealing with Death PDF

OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 5...

OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 5 Dealing with Death Lesson Aim: The learner will be able to describe the procedures for dealing with death Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of the lesson, Introduction students will be able to:- Deaths occur in society on a very regular 1. Outline criminal and non-criminal homicide basis, they happen in hospital settings and and statutory offences. within the community. Police Scotland will be called upon to support 2. Explain the process for dealing with death. families and assist healthcare professionals in the management and, on occasions, the investigation of some of those deaths. 3. Describe the initial actions at a sudden death. Constables play a critical part and have a significant responsibility when attending incidents of death. We must ensure that our 4. Explain the formal identification process in actions are sympathetic, proportionate and relation to a death or a sudden death. appropriate to the situation and the needs of all involved. 5. Discuss considerations when delivering a There are an estimated 58,000 deaths in death message. Scotland every year. Of these, the Police are informed of around 6,000. However, on review, only around 2,000 of these should have had Police Scotland as the lead agency. This lesson note will outline the processes that are currently in place for dealing with death and the roles and responsibilities of a Constable. 1 th Amended 15 April 2024 v.8 OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 5 Dealing with Death Next of Kin A person’s Next of Kin (NOK) is usually their closest blood relative/ family member, however the term NOK is not legally binding. It simply identifies the person/people who are the main point of contact for the PF and Police. It is of the utmost importance that all parties are treated with dignity, compassion and respect throughout. When dealing with any form of death, officers and staff should consider the impact the death may have on the NOK and other persons involved. Officers who are involved with liaising with the NOK should be sincere in their approach and only provide accurate and appropriate information surrounding the circumstances of the death. Each individual incident and the information suitable for disclosure may change therefore clear instruction must be given to staff by the Officer in Charge (OIC). Key Information KI Dealing with death can be upsetting and in some cases horrific. Your professionalism is very important. Your main priorities are to gather evidence and information surrounding the death. You should remain in control and make clear to the family the reason for your investigation whilst remaining understanding and sympathetic in manner. Categories of Death Not all deaths are the same and some may present challenges for policing. Throughout any incident of death, regardless of whether Police Scotland are the lead agency or not, you will provide support and assistance to families and other agencies as required. In general there are three broad categories of death:- Medical Death Unexplained Medical Death Police Reportable Death Medical Death 2 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 5 Dealing with Death This is where death is expected or attributable to natural causes. The majority of deaths occur as a result of obvious medical condition within a medical environment. Health care professionals have primary responsibility to provide a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) and to provide support and guidance to families. The role of police in these circumstances is very limited. There may be little or no knowledge or involvement of the Police or the Crown Office Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) in such deaths. Unexplained Medical Death This is where death is sudden and unexplained. There are certain circumstances where a healthcare professional may report the circumstances of a death to COPFS and the deceased's doctor will be responsible for doing this. It should be noted that not all deaths that are reportable to COPFS will require police involvement. If there is uncertainty about the cause of death, the police may be asked to assist in an initial assessment of the whole circumstances e.g. intelligence, criminality at the locus etc. but not to take the lead in an investigation. In the absence of suspicion, a death would be classified as a medical death. The continuing role of police in such circumstances would be limited. Police Reportable Death It is the responsibility of Police Scotland to investigate and report to COPFS all deaths which fall into the following categories:- Drug misuse; Accidental deaths - including deaths from falls and industrial accidents; Any death of a child or young person under 18 years of age which is unexplained; Incidents of suicide; Deaths occurring as a result of neglect or fault; 3 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 5 Dealing with Death Any death where the identity of the deceased is unknown and cannot be readily ascertained; Deaths in legal custody (up to 72 hours following release form custody, caveat, it can be extended on a case by case basis); Any death as directed by COPFS. Suspicious death - circumstances are unknown and give cause for concern (e.g. age of deceased, location, public place, circumstances, intelligence, lifestyle or suggestion of homicide); Homicide Homicide is defined as:- ‘when a human being kills another human being. The victim must be self-existent, not an unborn child. But, if the child has begun to breathe, it is immaterial that the death took place before complete delivery.’ Categories of Homicide The police deal with all instances of homicide. You will not have to make the decision into which category a specific death may fall. That is a decision for COPFS. However, you may be the first officer to attend at the scene and it is important that you understand the differences. Homicide is categorised as follows:- Criminal - Murder & Culpable Homicide The unlawful killing of a person by another is subdivided into Murder and Culpable Homicide, depending on both the intent of the accused and the circumstances of the case involved. Non-criminal - Casual Homicide & Justifiable Homicide This is the non-criminal side of homicide and is divided up into two sections, Casual Homicide and Justifiable Homicide. 4 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 5 Dealing with Death Criminal Murder is a common law crime and is committed when a person kills another without necessary cause and where there is either: An intention to kill, or A wilful act so reckless as to show utter disregard for the consequences Culpable Homicide is also a common law crime. It is committed by any person who unlawfully kills another person, where death is caused by improper conduct but the guilt is less than murder. There are three ways that culpable homicide can be committed: An intentional killing A consequence of unlawful acts Through undue negligence. Note – It was directed that where a husband killed his wife and a man who had confessed to their committing adultery, the crime was culpable homicide of the killing was done in the heat of passion immediately after the confession but was murder if done after and interval and as a deliberate revenge. (HMA v Hill, 1941). Distinction between Murder/Culpable Homicide The distinction between murder and culpable homicide is often very narrow. A charge of murder is libelled in the first instance which may or may not be later reduced to culpable homicide. In many cases an accused appears on a charge of murder but the court finds him or her guilty of culpable homicide. Each case has to be decided on its own merits. Non-Criminal Homicide The law recognises that there are occasions when a person kills another in innocent circumstances. Non-criminal homicide is subdivided into Casual Homicide and Justifiable Homicide. Casual Homicide Casual homicide is non-criminal and covers deaths by ‘misadventure’ when there is no intent to cause injury and occurs whilst performing a lawful act in a proper manner. The category of casual homicide does not include those cases where death has been caused by culpable negligence. 5 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 5 Dealing with Death Example:- a motorist driving properly and carefully past a line of parked cars when a child darts out from behind a car into their path, resulting in the death of the child. Justifiable Homicide Justifiable homicide is also non-criminal and consists of killing in circumstances where, in the eyes of the law, the taking of life is a right and proper thing to do. It is committed when there is either an intention to kill or an intention to seriously injure but where the circumstances free the killer from any blame. If the killer can prove that he or she acted in self-defence or in the defence of another, this would be justified but only if there was no other reasonable course of action to prevent serious injury and no more force was used than necessary in the circumstances. Example:- a person being raped tries to stop the attack by striking the attacker to the head with a stone, killing them. Examples of Statutory Homicide The Road Traffic Act 1988 contains four offences relating to causing death whilst driving:- Section 1 Makes it an offence to cause death by dangerous driving; Section 2B Makes it an offence to cause death by careless or inconsiderate driving; Section 3A Makes it an offence to cause death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs; and Section 3ZB Makes it an offence to cause death whilst driving when the driver is unlicensed, disqualified or uninsured. These offences will be covered in greater detail during the Road Policing Unit. 6 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 5 Dealing with Death The Process for Dealing with Death Stage 1 - Preserve Life The overriding priority when responding to a report of a death or possible death, is to preserve life. Operational First Aid Training should always be considered and the process for assessing and treating a casualty followed. Assume life and request attendance of emergency medical care, unless a competent health care professional is in attendance and has provided confirmation of death or it is evident from information available that death is indisputable i.e. decapitation, significant mutilation, burning or advanced decomposition and totally inconsistent with life The deceased may be cold, this on its own is not confirmation that death has taken place. Only health professionals can confirm that a person has died. It is a clinical decision and is referred to as Confirmation of Death (CoD). Where death is indisputable, there is no requirement to request emergency medical care or a health care professional to CoD, in such cases the officers attending must note the ‘TIME FOUND’. Key Information KI When preserving/protecting the locus at a sudden death, you will take all the precautions you would at a crime scene. However, you must remember not to use terminology such as 'crime scene' due to the potential impact on relatives, friends and members of the public. Stage 2 - Initial Assessment Once death has been established, it is important that you carry out an initial assessment of the incident to ensure that it is categorised in the most appropriate way. Ultimately, your supervisor will assess the information you give and make a decision on the category of death. That said, it is important that an initial assessment is carried out by you as the first person at the scene. The following are considerations you should make when carrying out an assessment and visual examination of the scene:- 7 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 5 Dealing with Death The Deceased Officers must conduct a visual examination looking for:- Injuries, blood and bruising Weapons Signs of drug misuse Other signs of violence, damage to clothing Marks scars or tattoos which may aid identification Police Systems Checks The following systems should be checked to establish any previous threats, risk and/or harm to the individual that may have had bearing on the death:- SID – Is there any intelligence indicating risks associated with the deceased’s lifestyle? iVPD– was the deceased a victim of domestic violence, previously self-harmed or any other vulnerabilities STORM – did the deceased require police assistance, previous incidents at the address? Crime Recording Applications – is there information recorded in respect of the deceased as a victim or an accused? SHOGUN – is the deceased a Firearms Certificate holder? Key Information KI Officers should be aware that when attending a death of specific religion, religious rituals may have been carried out prior to police arrival which would not necessarily amount to suspicion. If, on police arrival, you observe anything like this, you should enquire sensitively as to why this has been done, when this has been done and by whom. Ensure you record these details. Further information and guidance can be provided by e-mailing [email protected] 8 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 5 Dealing with Death The Locus Officers must make a visual examination of the locus, looking for:- Other people within - casualties, children, deceased or witnesses/ suspects Signs of drug misuse Signs of forced entry – damage to locks or windows Signs of a struggle or violence - blood, weapons, damaged furniture or broken glass The keys for the property Other personal items - wallet, purse, mobile phone or car keys Suicide note Personal papers - to aid identification, Next of Kin (NOK) or healthcare details Medication Note:- You should consider conducting door to door enquires to ascertain if there have been any recent incidents or to secure further information, i.e. identification, the date/time the deceased was last seen, NOK or other witnesses. Key Information KI You should make a thorough assessment of the property, however, any disturbance should be minimised. The minimum counter contamination standard is a face mask and 2 pairs of disposable gloves. You should change your gloves frequently if contaminated and if dealing with different deceased. Remember to retain your gloves as a production in the case of a suspicious death. If at any stage during the initial assessment you suspect that the death could be a Police Reportable Death, you should stop any further interference with the body or the scene in order to protect and secure available evidence. You should secure the scene and follow the process you learned about during your Evidential Considerations lesson. 9 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 5 Dealing with Death Stage 3 - Response Agreement has been reached between the Chief Medical Officer for Scotland (CMO), COPFS and Police Scotland as to the roles and responsibilities each organisation has in responding to incidents of death in the community. Once the initial police assessment has concluded, the category of death will be agreed by the supervisor in attendance. The next steps will depend on the category of death. Medical Death and Unexplained Medical Death The priority is to support and guide the NOK, relative and friends in the next steps. In Scotland a death certificate is required before a death can be registered and a funeral can take place. Medical deaths mean notifying the deceased’s GP and allowing them to manage ongoing needs of the bereaved and certification process/reporting to COPFS It is the statutory duty of the deceased’s GP or doctor who has had dealings with the deceased during last illness and who is familiar with the medical history, to issue a certificate if they are able to identify a cause of death to the best of their ability. Enquiry During GP Surgery Hours If you attend report of a death during surgery hours you should encourage the NOK to contact the GP practice themselves to inform the doctor of the death. They will be best placed to answer any questions the doctor may have about the deceased. If they are unable to because they are too distressed, frail or where no responsible person is available, you can contact the surgery on their behalf. You should make sure that you inform the doctor that this is not considered a Police Reportable Death at this time. Usually, the GP will be able to review the medical history and circumstances in good time and issue a death certificate. Once this has been done the family can arrange for the deceased to be taken to a place of rest by a funeral director of their choice. If the doctor is unable to issue a death certificate, but has no concerns about the circumstances, it is still a medical death and therefore responsibility lies with the doctor to report the matter to COPFS. The family can still arrange to have the deceased taken to a place of rest, however, the funeral director should be advised that a death certificate has not yet been issued and as such no preparatory work of the deceased should be carried out. There should be no further involvement from the Police at this time. 10 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 5 Dealing with Death Enquiry Out With GP Surgery Hours If the death occurs out with surgery hours, all of the relevant information should be passed to NHS 24 who will contact the GP surgery electronically. You should advise the NOK to contact the surgery when it next opens to inform them of the death. The family can then make arrangements with a funeral director to have the deceased taken away, however, you should advise the funeral director that no death certificate has been issued and therefore no preparatory work of the deceased should be undertaken. You should remain at the locus until the funeral director (or attending doctor) arrives, however, at this point there should be no further police action. Note:- If no NOK can be established initially or within a reasonable time, or if the NOK refuses to take responsibility for the deceased, the death should be treated as a Police Reportable Death. Arrangements can then be made with the Police Scotland contracted Funeral Director to remove the body. Key Information KI In Scotland, if someone dies without leaving a Will and has no known or traceable blood relatives, spouse or civil partner, then their assets (land, buildings, shares and cash) are managed by the Crown as ultimus haeres (literally meaning "Last Heir"). It falls to the National Ultimus Haeres Unit (NUHU) to identify a Next of Kin or Will and if necessary report the matter to the relevant authority. In these cases you should always liaise with a supervisor and take steps to secure the address, keys and possessions and make the NUHU aware at the earliest opportunity. Keys for the property should only be returned to those identified as a blood relative, spouse or civil partner. Under no circumstances should property belonging to the deceased (including property within the address) be given to persons who do not meet the above criteria and if there are any doubts you should liaise with NUHU. 11 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 5 Dealing with Death Key Information - Continued KI However, if, during initial investigations an individual who meets the above criteria is identified or it is established that a will exists, then there is no requirement for NUHU involvement. As well as any NUHU involvement, if the death meets the criteria for a Reportable Police Death, normal reporting procedures should continue. For further information, contact details for NUHU and other relevant authorities, please refer to the Investigation of Death National Guidance Police Reportable Deaths Having concluded that the incident is a Police Reportable Death, the policing priority must be to protect the scene, secure available evidence and conduct an appropriate investigation. You should:- Secure the scene Implement a scene entry log Enforce counter contamination measures For suspicious, drugs, child and outdoor deaths a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) will be appointed. Reporting Mechanism There is a specific department within COPFS, The Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit, who direct the investigation following a police reportable death. They are based in Glasgow and Edinburgh. It is essential that they receive a death report from the Police the day after the death, or at the latest, the day after that. 12 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 5 Dealing with Death Information to Record It is important in all cases of death to ensure that you have accurately recorded all relevant information. This is particularly relevant in cases where it is a Police Reportable Death as you will have to provide enough information of the circumstances to supervisors and ultimately the SIO who will lead the investigation. The information you record may impact on the quality of the investigation and may impact on the time the enquiry takes. 13 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 5 Dealing with Death You should record the following:- The exact time and date you arrived at the scene Security of the house The position and description of the body (e.g. if the body has been moved for CPR to be administered) Counter contamination measures taken Description of the deceased's clothing Full particulars of the deceased (if known) The full particulars of any witnesses The exact wording used by witnesses when explaining the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the body Details of anyone else who may arrive at the locus including any other officer Any other observations which may assist the enquiry at a later stage (e.g. position of any weapon/ layout of property/ dogs) Identification of the Body Regardless of the category of death, a deceased must always be identified by some means. It is entirely preferable and considered best practice that identification of a person is made to officers at the locus for all deaths. It is routinely accepted that all investigated deaths require a minimum of one person to confirm a person’s identity to a police officer, though in suspicious or criminal deaths it is necessary that this identification be made by two persons. Where identification has not been possible prior to removal of the body, arrangements must be made to have the required person(s) attend the mortuary for identification purposes If a person's face is unrecognisable due to extent of injury, then dental impressions or fingerprints can be used to identify the person. It is important that the family are prepared for any viewing of the deceased. This may mean you viewing the body to establish its 14 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 5 Dealing with Death condition so you can give the family a detailed description enabling them to make an informed decision about who views the body. Relatives should be given the opportunity to view the body and should be neither encouraged nor discouraged from doing so. Post Mortem Any post mortem will be carried out by a pathologist who will make a detailed examination of the body, to help establish what has caused the death. Once the post mortem is complete and cause of death identified the pathologist will issue a death certificate. Child Deaths Police Scotland investigate the deaths of all children and young people under the age of 18. The call may come directly from the family concerned, but it is more usual for the police to be informed via the control room of the Scottish Ambulance Service. In terms of infants, most deaths in infancy occur as a result of natural causes. The term Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI) is used when the death of a child is unexpected and in which a thorough post mortem fails to evidence a recognised cause of death. Police have a key role in the investigation of all child deaths. The prime responsibility is not only to establish the circumstances leading up to the death, but also to ensure the safety of siblings any other children and any future children who may be born into the family concerned. Your priorities as a first responder are:- Preserve life If you attend an address and ambulance crew have not yet arrived, your first responsibility is to check for signs of life and administer CPR. If a child is confirmed as deceased by a medical professional it is likely the child will be removed by ambulance to hospital. Unless circumstances are overtly suspicious, this should not be prevented. An officer should accompany the child to the hospital regardless of any suspicion. The family should not be prevented from travelling with the child, unless you are informed otherwise by an SIO. 15 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 5 Dealing with Death Protect the scene Preservation of the scene is key (even in the absence of suspicious circumstances). If you consider the death suspicious convey these concerns to your supervisor Protect the scene as much as possible. This may mean tactfully and sensitively asking relatives/carers to vacate and not to move any items. It is important to explain that this is common practice to assist in finding out why the child died. Early notification to PPU/CID PPU/CID must be notified at earliest opportunity to allow specialist support to be provided and a child death trained SIO to be appointed. Record early comments made by witnesses including children Remaining sensitive to the needs of family, you should record details of any conversation held with them or explanations about how the child died. Recording exact phrases and words used could be vital to the investigation. Be prepared to make a note of other relevant conversations between carers and medical staff/ambulance crew. Ensure the safety and wellbeing of any other children Consider the safety of surviving siblings or other children (including pregnancy). Where the death is not overtly suspicious conduct a locus walk through record observations which may have increased risk to the deceased child, or other children e.g. poor living conditions, evidence of controlled drug misuse and/or recent alcohol consumption. Police officers should accommodate parents’ wishes where appropriate, including holding their infant, which should be done in the presence of police or Health staff, however where the death is overtly suspicious this should be prevented. A sensitive and proportionate approach should be taken throughout, balancing the needs of the family with those of the investigation. Note:- Officers should be aware that the welfare of families and all involved is of paramount importance and all necessary support should be provided, this welfare consideration extends to Police Officers involved in the enquiry. 16 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 5 Dealing with Death Emotions When Dealing With a Death You must always act in a professional manner and maintain composure when dealing with a sudden death which may be difficult even when everyone else is upset. You may attend a sudden death that is gruesome due to injury or decomposition. The smell of a decomposed body can also be difficult to cope with. Furthermore if you have lost someone close you may find that memories of that loved one are brought to the fore. You may experience a range of emotions including initial shock and sadness, which continues after the incident has been dealt with. Infant deaths and suicides can be particularly harrowing to deal with and can be emotionally exhausting whilst dealing with relatives. Wellbeing W At all times you should be aware of your own mental and physical wellbeing, as well as that of your colleagues. Talk to your supervisor or colleagues with any concerns you have. There are many support options available to you including TRiM counsellors and the Employee Assistance Programme. Please refer to Unit 5 lesson note on Health and Wellbeing and information available on the Police Scotland intranet. 17 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 5 Dealing with Death Emotions of Others Do not forget that any bereaved person is likely to be in a state of psychological shock and possibly confused. Repeated questioning of the next of kin by different police officers should be avoided if at all possible. However, you should always consider the behavioural response of the family and take particular note of inappropriate or unusual responses to questions. Cultural Considerations When death occurs in specific religions and cultures, family members and friends may seek a quick resolution to enquiries and release of the body. Reference should be made to the Police Scotland Diversity Booklet – A Practical Guide to ensure a professional approach is adopted in these circumstances. Do not make assumptions in terms of family or cultural needs. Death Messages There will be occasions when you will be asked to deliver the news of a death to the deceased’ family or friends. It may be that you have been involved in the sudden death enquiry or you may have been asked to pass a message as the next of kin lives in your area. It is important to remember to take a compassionate and sensitive approach. 18 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 5 Dealing with Death Activity 1 A1 A road crash has occurred near to your Police Station. An 18-year-old male has lost control of his motorbike, which collided with a lamppost at high speed. He has been killed instantly. No other person or vehicle has been involved. The deceased has been removed to the local mortuary where a post mortem is to be carried out the following day. It's 2am when you are instructed to attend at the parents' home to inform them of their son's death and subsequent post mortem. Discuss what factors you would take into consideration prior to attending at the parents' house? 19 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 5 Dealing with Death Activity 1 Continued A1 Discuss the approach you would take when delivering the death message. What wording would you use? What information would you give them with regards to the post mortem? 20 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 5 Dealing with Death Feedback 1 F1 Discuss what factors you would take into consideration prior to attending at the parents' house? Firstly, you should ensure that your facts are correct. You must be absolutely sure that the deceased is the son of the relatives you are visiting. The last thing you want is to cause undue distress to unconnected people. Ask; “Are you the mother/father/parent of…..” Consider being accompanied by a colleague. Furthermore, consider contacting a relative or friend of the family to be present when the news is broken. Be prepared for, and deal with the parents' reactions, such as shock, denial, anger or even self-blame. Discuss the approach you would take when delivering the death message. Arrange for the parents to have privacy, be seated and prepared for a shock. Give as much assistance as possible, for example, arrange for a doctor or a religious leader to be called, or for other relatives to be contacted. It is important to ensure that the parents have the immediate support they may require. What wording would you use? Pass the details of the death message to the parents in understandable and straightforward manner. For example, "Your son, (full name of son) died this morning after a road crash". Avoid elaborate sentences, for example "Your son, (full name of son) was killed earlier this morning as a result of injuries he sustained when he rode his motorbike really fast into a lamppost". 21 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 5 Dealing with Death Feedback 1 F1 What information would you give them with regards to the post mortem? You should be in a position to explain the subsequent proceedings, such as the fact that there will be a post mortem examination and that an identification of their son will be required prior to this. You should explain when they are able to view their son, and that a police officer will be able to accompany them to the identification. Try to avoid the use of the word 'body', instead use 'your son' or use his name. You may have to spend a considerable length of time explaining the subsequent processes and procedures. At all times, the utmost tact and compassion is necessary. Summary:- Provide privacy for the family. Keep the family informed - use understandable language. Be prepared for a range of emotions Respect everyone's spiritual/religious beliefs and accommodate where possible. Offer support and referrals for sources of help for the bereaved. 22 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 5 Dealing with Death For further information, use the resources shown below:- Investigation of Death National Guidance Review: You can outline criminal and non-criminal homicide and statutory offences You can explain the process for dealing with death You can describe the initial actions at a sudden death You can explain the formal identification process in relation to a death and a sudden death You can discuss considerations when delivering a death message 23 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 5 Dealing with Death Learning Log: How will what you have learned in this module impact your day-to- day role? Are there any skills or knowledge you would like to develop further following this module? End of Module 24 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL