INFORMATION FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL
SERVICES
Law enforcement officers and emergency medical services (EMS) are often in the unique
position of being the first on the scene following a suicide. How they respond can have
an immeasurable effect on survivors. Their responses can contribute to or prevent suicide
contagion. Their role can be viewed as a delicate balance between building rapport with
survivors, supporting them in their grief, gathering evidence, and dealing with the larger
community (including the media).
1. Protecting evidence. Those who are the first on the scene of an untimely death have
the responsibility of protecting the scene until an investigation takes place. This may
result in a struggle between the family who is feeling a loss of control and emergency
responders who are attempting to gain control. While being respectful of the family’s
privacy, it is important to keep unauthorized individuals from the body and rooms. The
gathering of evidence may include observing possible means of death, checking for notes,
taking photographs, and interviewing family and friends. Throughout the investigation,
conduct yourself in a serious and dignified manner as family and friends are most likely
reeling in shock.
2. One step at a time. No matter how the situation first appears, a determination as to
whether the death was an accident or a suicide will most likely take some time. At times,
family and friends may be adamant that the individual would not have taken his or her
life. At other times, those closest to the individual may more easily accept the death as a
suicide due to events preceding the loss. Your role is not to take sides or debate the issue.
3. Notifying next of kin. Each department should have a designee who is responsible
for death notifications. Ideally, this individual should have experience and/or special
training in this area. Notification should be made in person once sufficient information
regarding the death has been collected. It is a good idea for the designee to have
someone accompany him or her. This could be another officer, someone from the faith
community, or a known friend of the family.
4. Sharing information. When making contact, be certain who you are speaking with.
Ask if you may come in and inquire as to who else might be in the home. Be particularly
sensitive if children are present. If so, it may be best to speak to the adults in private in
another room. Be direct in your approach. You may simply begin by saying, “I have bad
news. (Name) has died.” Another approach could be, “I am very sorry to inform you
that (name) has died.” Be prepared to share with them the “how”, “where”, and “when”
of what happened.
Avoid giving graphic details of the death or the condition of the body. However,
recognize that it is not unheard of for a loved one to request to see the body at the scene.
This action has actually helped some individuals deal with the finality of death. As each
situation is unique, a request of this kind should be given serious consideration by the
person in charge of the scene.
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EMS personnel are mandated to abide by HIPAA laws and confidentiality should be kept
about the incident until an official statement has been released. After the statement is
released, EMS should not share anything beyond the official statement.
5. Be prepared. Survivors are not only dealing with the shock of the loss but also a mix
of emotions. Provide them with an opportunity to discuss whatever they may be feeling.
There may be disbelief that someone who was just recently a part of their life is now
gone. Others may feel guilt because, from their perspective, they didn’t do enough to
support the individual who is now deceased. The question of “why” their loved one
chose to take his/her own life is one that will often have no answer. Others might be
overwhelmed by the stigma that is still associated with suicide and will be afraid of what
others will say. Reassure them that the emotional turmoil they are feeling is normal in
the face of such an unexpected loss. Recognize that as hard as it might seem at the time,
life will go on for the survivors.
6. Explaining what happens next. Family members need to be reassured by knowing
what will be happening with the body of their loved one. Perhaps the coroner or medical
examiner will be performing an autopsy. Perhaps the body has been taken to a funeral
home and further instructions need to be provided by the family. Present the facts as you
understand them. Offer to find answers to their questions, recognizing that they might be
unable to do that work themselves.
7. Remain with survivors until others arrive. Assist the person with contacting other
family members or friends who can provide immediate emotional support. If you and a
partner have driven in separate vehicles, one person can remain behind until another
support person arrives.
8. Preventing the spread of rumors. Word travels fast following a suicide, especially
with email, cell phones, and instant messaging. The best law enforcement officer or
EMS personnel can do is to stick with the basic facts if asked. Never promise a family
that you will not disclose the manner of death. The cause of death (i.e. overdose or
gunshot) and manner (i.e. suicide or accidental death) are matters of public record. One
departmental designee should be assigned the task of dealing with the media, especially
in small communities where the ripple effect is more profound. How the news is shared
with the larger community can play a significant role in reducing suicide contagion.
9. Linking survivors with other resources. Law enforcement officers and EMS
personnel are in a position to share information about local resources that could be of
assistance to survivors. When faced with a sudden loss, survivors can benefit greatly
from contact with others, especially those who have lost a loved one to suicide. Helpful
resources might include grief support groups, especially those set up to meet the needs of
suicide survivors; the faith community; and mental health counselors. Names, phone
numbers, professional cards, and/or brochures could be left with the family for use at a
later time. Whether they avail themselves of the resources will be their choice (See
Appendix for Support Groups and Resources).
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10. Keep your eyes and ears open. Particularly in the event of a suicide of a young
person, the ripple effect in the community can be dramatic. Teens and young adults may
act inappropriately, engage in risky behaviors, or use alcohol or drugs as a way of dealing
with their emotions. Males are especially vulnerable to acting out their sadness and rage.
These responses can bring persons into contact with law enforcement officers. It is a
good idea for staff to be aware of those who may be particularly affected by the loss and
to identify areas in the community where friends of the deceased may tend to gather. Be
sure to involve the school liaison officer, if there is one, in these discussions and outreach
efforts.
11. Serving the community. The community’s reaction to the suicide may lead to large
numbers of individuals wanting to participate in the visitation or funeral service. Law
enforcement officers may be asked to provide an escort, direct traffic, or help in other
ways. It may be appropriate for officers to attend the visitation and pay their respect to
the family. Their presence can also send a signal to those present that others share the
loss (See Appendix on How to Organize Postvention Activities).
12. Learn as much as you can about suicide. Your knowledge about suicide
postvention will greatly affect how you respond to survivors and related situations.
Although common English usage includes the phrases “committed suicide” “successful
suicide” and “failed attempt” these should be avoided because of their connotations.
Instead it is encouraged to use phrases such as “died by suicide” or “completed suicide.”
Besides for attempting to handle their loss, suicide survivors often report being further
hurt by things that well-meaning individuals said to them. It will do more harm than
good for a survivor to hear such things as “I know exactly how you feel”, “Too bad s/he
wasn’t stronger”, or “Your loved one is in a better place.” More information about the
role of law enforcement officers in suicide prevention/postvention can be found at:
http://www.sprc.org/featured_resources/customized/lawenforcementpersonnel.asp.
13. Take care of yourself. Supporting family and friends following an unexpected loss
may be some of the most difficult work you will be called on to do. Just as you have
allowed family and friends to share their emotions and grief, allow yourself to do the
same. Law enforcement officers are at greater risk for suicide due to the environment in
which they work and associated stressors. It is normal for individuals to have varying
reactions to traumatic events. Most departments offer critical incident debriefing which
provides an outlet for law enforcement and EMS personnel to talk about their experience
with a trained facilitator. Participation in debriefing sessions is one of the many steps
that can be taken to help you to remain healthy and capable of continuing to meet the
demands of your job.
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These suggestions were compiled from a variety of sources including::
What Emergency Responders Need to Know about Suicide Loss, Montgomery
County Emergency Service, Inc., Norristown, Pennsylvania.
Postvention: Community Response to Suicide, National Alliance for the Mentally
Ill, Concord, New Hampshire.
www.naminh.org/frameworks_community_protocols_postvention_main_page.phb
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