This case shows how chaplains accompany colleagues in law enforcement (as well as the military) in making death notifications. It models how death notifications are made and what about the protocol changes if the death was caused by suicide. The case also demonstrates how chaplains support family members and colleagues from the death notification through the funeral or memorial service and beyond, including offering training in suicide prevention. The case encourages all involved in such difficult situations to care for themselves.
As a result of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Identify the role of a chaplain or spiritual care provider in making a death notification.
- Describe how a chaplain engages in a death notification in relations to others present.
- Identify how death notifications and the events to follow vary based on the cause of death, specifically if the death is a suicide.
- Explain how chaplains can work collaboratively with local religious leaders when they are present.
- Describe how chaplains and spiritual care providers can be important partners in suicide prevention.
Target Audiences
- Criminal justice and police academy students as well as chaplains working in this context; also maybe command staff.