SUBJECT: DEATH NOTIFICATION

EFFECTIVE DATE: January 01, 2004
Revised: December 15, 2004
POLICY:
The Sheriff’s Office will conduct death notifications in the most empathetic manner possible. The on-call Victim Advocate should be notified to assist the Deputy responsible for the notification, to provide comfort and support for the victims during the initial stages of grieving. A Chaplain may also be utilized whenever available and it is deemed appropriate based on the information gathered. Such notifications shall not be done by telephone, but in person, showing the proper respect and concern for the survivors.

PURPOSE:
To provide the deputies with a procedure and guidelines for notifying people in the event of a death.

METHOD:
If a Garfield County Sheriff’s Deputy is required to make a death notification (the Coroner’s Office is unable or more immediate notification is necessary) a Garfield County Sheriff’s Office Victim Advocate will be notified, and if possible, will respond to accompany the Deputy to the scene and assist the deputy in gathering information for the notification process.

If the notification occurs within Garfield County, the Deputy and Victim Advocate will make the initial contact. The Victim Advocate will assist the survivors by calling relatives, friends, neighbors and clergy that the survivors wish to have with them.

If the notification occurs within a Municipality of Garfield County, the Deputy will notify that local law enforcement agency and determine who should make notification. If it is determined that the Deputy shall make the notification, the Victim Advocate will be used as above.

If the notification occurs outside of Garfield County, the Deputy will coordinate with the Garfield County Coroner’s Office to make notification and provide all available information.

If no Victim Advocate is available, the Deputy should attempt to contact family members, friends, neighbors, a Chaplain or others that may assist with the notification process. If the Deputy makes notification, it should be done with the utmost concern and empathy for the survivors.
 

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