Delivering Emergency Messages

1. Delivering Emergency Messages Mike Reitan Captain West Fargo Police

2. EmergencyMessages An unpleasant but necessary duty. Military Law Enforcement

3. Emergency Messages Can be a highly emotional for the family as well as the officer. Can be physically threatening or dangerous to family members as well as to the officer.

4. Preparation Dispatcher’s Role Dispatch needs to obtain a call back number and name of the individual requesting the emergency message delivery.

5. Preparation Officer’s Role The officer who will make the notification contacts the requestor to obtain the message information. It is suggested you prepare a written fact sheet.

6. Preparation The fact sheet should contain: Name, address, and phone number of the person you are to contact. The relationship between the person to be contacted and the person the message is about.

7. Preparation The fact sheet should contain: Full name of the person the message is about. The person’s age, address, and other identifying information should be included.

8. Preparation The fact sheet should contain: What has happened. - death, injury, or illness. - how it occurred. - where the incident occurred.

9. Preparation The fact sheet should contain: Where the person is at now. - home - hospital (provide address and number) - funeral home (provide address and number)

10. Preparation The fact sheet should contain: Whether the family needs to do anything right now. - identify a funeral home - pick-up property - provide medical information

11. Preparation The fact sheet should contain: The name(s), address, and number(s) of the person who requested the delivery of the emergency message. Your name and number.

12. Preparation Think about what you are going to say. person has died person was killed person is seriously ill/ injured It does not hurt to practice.

13. Preparation Chaplain's Role Assist with preparing the message. Provide support for: The family The officer

14. Delivering the Message Bring your fact sheet. Introduce yourself and the Chaplain. Confirm you are talking with the right person.

15. Use present tense when talking. Confirm the relationship between the individuals. After you have confirmed you are talking with the right person explain exactly what you were told occurred. - use clear language - do not lie Delivering the Message

16. Delivering the Message Be prepared for the unexpected reaction. Do not interfere with the person as they react unless there is threat of harm to themselves or others.

17. Delivering the Message Ask if they have any additional questions. Ask if they need you to contact someone for them. Encourage them to have someone with them.

18. Delivering the Message Avoid statements about: - religious references - being in a better place or better off - was meant to be or was fate - was for the best

19. Delivering the Message Provide a copy of your fact sheet to the person. The sheet contains important names and numbers. They can review the information with other family members. They did not hear everything you told them.

20. Delivering the Message Before you leave ask if there is anything else you can do for the person. - you may express your condolences. Excuse yourself and leave.

21. Emergency Messages Important If the experience has bothered you, talk with someone about it.

22. Emergency Messages An unpleasant but necessary duty. Can be a highly emotional for the family as well as the officer. Can be physically threatening or dangerous to family members as well as to the officer.

23. Emergency Messages Questions?