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HomeMy WebLinkAbout55D - Line of Duty Injuries or Death - 2019 Policy & Procedure Page 1 of 3 Lexington Police Department Subject: Line of Duty Injuries or Death Policy Number: 55D Accreditation Standards: Reference: 22.2.4; 55.2.6 Effective Date: 1/1/11  New  Revised Revision Dates: 1/24/19 By Order of: Mark J. Corr, Chief of Police GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS AND GUIDELINES From time to time, police officers are called upon to make notifications involving a death or serious injury to residents within the community. Although this is a difficult task it can be more traumatic when the notification is due to a death or serious injury of a member of the Lexington Police Department. There is a strong bond that joins members of the “police family.” When a traumatic incident occurs, the way in which the notification is handled seriously impacts the emotional well-being of the affected family, friends and coworkers. Incidents involving the death or serious injury to members of the police family act as a reminder of our vulnerability. Death notifications involving fellow employees can be particularly traumatic for the notifying officers. These officers may be haunted for years with the memories of delivering such terrible news. A debriefing with a counselor may be appropriate in some cases and should be sought through the Town of Lexington Employee Assistance Program or otherwise if needed. It is the policy of the Lexington Police Department that the next-of-kin of deceased or seriously injured officers while in the line of duty shall be promptly and considerately notified. Whenever possible, the Chief of Police shall be primarily responsible for this notification. 55D Line Of Duty Injuries or Death Policy & Procedure Page 2 of 3 PROCEDURES [55.2.6] A. Death, Serious Injury or Illness of a Police Officer or Any Employee of the Lexington Police Department. [22.2.4] 1. Should any employee of this Department be killed, be seriously injured, or become seriously ill on duty, the Chief of Police shall be notified immediately. B. It shall be the duty of the Chief of Police, or his/her designee in the absence of the Chief, to perform the following duties: 2. Notify family members in a timely fashion; a. A close personal friend of the officer, a member of the clergy, or other person close to the family may accompany the Chief or his designee. b. Notification should be done inside the home in a direct but sympathetic manner. c. Remain on scene as long as necessary. 3. Assist the family at the hospital; 4. Offer support for the family at the funeral and burial; 5. Assist the family with legal and benefit matters; 6. Arrange counseling for the family on financial matters or other problem areas; 7. Support family during criminal proceedings, if any; and 8. Maintain contact with the family to see that their needs are being met. a. Utilize organizations such as Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS) to pre- plan support and locate additional resources and benefits available: New England Concerns of Police Survivors 26 Summit Avenue Somerville, Massachusetts 02143 http://www.ma-cops.org/ http://www.ma-cops.org/contactus.htm Concerns of Police Survivors, Inc. P.O. Box 3199- South Highway 5 Camdenton, Missouri 65020 573-346-4911 - phone 573-346-1414 - fax cops@nationalcops.org – email C. All other protocols, as defined in Departmental policy 55C - Death & Injury Notifications shall apply. 55D Line Of Duty Injuries or Death Policy & Procedure Page 3 of 3 D. Mourning Bands Protocol: Black mourning bands shall be worn on a badge only in the following circumstances: 1. Upon the line of duty death of an active Lexington Police Officer. The mourning band should be worn for a period of thirty days from the date of death. 2. By all LEO in uniform or in civilian clothing while displaying a badge when attending the funeral of an active LEO. Upon the completion of the funeral, the mourning band shall be removed. 3. Upon the line of duty death of a LEO from a neighboring jurisdiction. The mourning band will be worn from the date of death and removed at the conclusion of the day of burial. 4. National Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15th). 5. The day of any memorial service your agency has honoring your department's LEO's who have died in the line of duty. 6. At the direction of The Chief of Police, when special circumstances dictate that a department display of official mourning is appropriate. Placement on Vehicles It is also appropriate to stripe the badge(s) on your agency's vehicles: 1. If one is displayed, for a line of duty death. 2. Black ½ inch electrical tape or black ½ magnets could be used. 3. Preferred striping is from left to right on the badge and go from 1100 to 1700 hours using a clock as a reference. 4. A straight black line through the middle of the badge is also appropriate. This mourning band protocol was developed by Lieutenant (Retired) Ken Baine, during his time as commander of the Fairfax County (Virginia) Police Department Honor Guard.