24-078 Resource Sheet for Navigating Death Crisis

The purpose of the Department Notice is to provide our members a resource sheet that can be given to a deceased person's relative and loved ones during death incidents.

Considering the sensitive nature of our work and the significant role we play in handling death incidents; it is crucial that we equip ourselves with the necessary resources and information to navigate these situations effectively. To assist members in that regard, the SFPD's Special Victims Unit collaborated with Adult Protective Services (APS) and other stakeholders from San Francisco County (Medical Examiner Office, Victim Services Agencies, etc.) to come up with a comprehensive resource sheet that includes contact information for various agencies and organizations that members or the relative/loved ones of the deceased may need to engage with during the death crisis incidents.

The resource sheet lists a wide range of agencies and services; however, it is important to note that this resource sheet is not exhaustive, and there may be additional agencies or services specific to certain cases. This serves as a starting point to ensure that members have access to essential contacts when dealing with death incidents. Some examples of utilizing this resource sheet would be for a member to provide it to a homicide victim's relative, a parent that lost a child due to a SIDS death, or a relative or friend on scene of a suicide victim. Please keep a copy of this resource sheet readily available and familiarize yourself with the contact information provided. It is vital that we approach these situations with empathy, professionalism and a thorough understanding of the resources available to our community. The resource sheet is attached to this notice and may also be accessed on the SFPD Intranet and PowerDMS under "Manuals & Guides - Other Manuals and Guides."

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Airport Bureau members shall follow San Mateo County processes and protocols for death incidents.

/s/
WILLIAM SCOTT 
Chief of Police

Per DN 23-152, all sworn & non-sworn members shall electronically acknowledge this Department document in PowerDMS within (30) thirty calendar days of issuance. Members whose duties are relevant to this document shall be held responsible for compliance. Any questions regarding this policy should be sent to [email protected] who will provide additional information.