Deaths of serving and retired police officers and police staff and serving specials Policy

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1 Deaths of serving and retired police officers and police staff and serving specials Policy Policy summary West Yorkshire Police has established a procedure to ensure that appropriate arrangements are in place to honour current or former colleagues who have died, particularly those who have died in the execution of their duty. To honour a colleague you must, always, firstly consider the needs and desires of the family and friends of the deceased. At no time should those closest to the deceased feel that their wishes and needs are not being met or that their desires have been overridden. Aim The aim of this policy is to assist police officers or members of police staff who: are asked to notify various departments; or make the arrangements on behalf of the family and the Force. Scope This policy applies to: Step Action 1 serving police officers, special constables, and police staff members who die, in any circumstance on or off duty; and 2 retired police officers and police staff members. Compliance NPIA Guidance on handling a death of a serving member police officer NPIA Guidance on arrangements for serving police officers and police staff

2 Chapter 1 Definitions Types of s The table below outlines the different types of s available for police officers and police staff members: Type of Ceremonial Definition A ceremonial will usually only be offered if a police officer or police staff member is killed, or dies from injuries sustained, in the execution of their duty. The ACC Workforce Development and Standards or, if they are unavailable, another member of the Command Team, must give their approval for a ceremonial to be offered. Service Private If it is proposed to offer a ceremonial in other circumstances approval must be given by the Chief Constable or Deputy Chief Constable following initial consideration by the ACC Workforce Development and Standards or, if they are unavailable, another member of the Command Team. A service will usually be offered if a serving police officer or staff member dies on or off duty in any other circumstances. The Divisional Commander or Head of Department must give their approval for a service to be offered. If it proposed to offer a service in other circumstances, for example for a retired police officer or police staff member approval must be given by the ACC Workforce Development and Standards or if they are unavailable another member of the Command Team, following initial consideration by the Divisional Commander or Head of Department. There is no police involvement in the organisation of a private. Arrangements for the would be made by relatives of the deceased.

3 Chapter 2 Principles Introduction This procedure is intended to provide a supportive framework rather than rigid rules. The primary importance when dealing with arrangements following the death of a colleague is to ensure that the needs and desires of the person s family and friends are met. Those closest to the deceased must be listened to carefully and treated in a sensitive, dignified, and respectful way. No arrangements should be made without the full consent of the next of kin (it may not always be clear who is the next of kin and sensitive research may need to be carried out). Employee undertaking on notification of death Where a police officer or police staff member is notified of the death of a serving or retired officer, member of police staff, or a serving special constable, they should pass it directly to the divisional commander or departmental head of the area where the deceased person worked and where they lived (unless they lived outside the Force area). Immediate notification The Chief Constable s office must be immediately informed of the death of a serving or retired police officer, PCSO or member of police staff or serving special constable. This should be done by the: Force duty officer, if the death occurs while on duty; or line manager/hr manager who receives the first report. Ceremonial or service If it is decided to offer a ceremonial or a service this offer should only be made to the next of kin when they are ready to discuss arrangements. The family of the deceased person will decide which, if any, of the elements offered they would wish to have included as part of the arrangements. No arrangements must be made without their agreement. Ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds It is recognised that there are officers and members of staff from a variety of ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds and their practises must be respected. This procedure cannot take into account all of the variety of customs, beliefs and family needs; thus there must be sensitivity not to impose any approaches and arrangements on the deceased s family.

4 Certain religious communities have a requirement that the be completed within a particular time frame. If the death is anticipated discrete enquiries about the arrangements can be made. The Coroner may require an inquest if the death is sudden or unexpected, allowing time for enquiries to be made. Any delay caused by the Coroner is allowed for by all religious groups. Normally, however, the time scale imposed by the religious community must be strictly adhered to. Advice on multi faith contacts is available through the Force Chaplaincy. Force staff must respect and comply with any religious or cultural requirements such as a dress code or the separation of men and women. Relatives wishing to use a specific venue or minister of religion known to them must be accommodated. The person conducting the must be fully consulted to ensure that the religious, social and cultural sensitivities are properly observed. It is recognised that officers or staff members may come from a variety of religious or cultural traditions. The Force chaplain or a local voluntary chaplain may be approached to officiate or to act as a liaison between the Force and the person conducting the. Chapter 3 Ceremonial or service Areas of responsibility The division in whose area the is taking place will deal with the operational aspects of the. If the is taking place outside West Yorkshire the local force must be contacted to discuss the arrangements and establish how the operational aspects will be conducted. The division or department where the police officer or member of staff served, if different, will act as liaison between the family and the Force and carry out the initial notifications. Making arrangements Arrangements for a ceremonial or service will be coordinated by the divisional commander/departmental head and an appointed liaison officer(s). If the is for a special constable the liaison officer would usually by the specials liaison officer. Private Any police officers or police staff member who attends the service would do so in plain clothes, unless otherwise instructed, following agreement with the next of kin.

5 Committal A committal held after a ceremonial, service or private would usually have no police involvement, unless the next of kin requests otherwise. Admin Last reviewed: March 2013 Scheduled for review: March 2017