What is it like being a police officer?

What's it like for a police officer to have to inform someone of a death of a loved one?

• It's a frequent trope in drama, but what's it like to have to inform someone that one of their relatives has died? How long does a police officer usually stay with the bereaved person? What other procedures or training is given for these situations? What mistakes have officers made in these kinds of situations?

• Answer:

  Horrible - what else. No one wants to be the bearer of such tragic news. For the most part police don't receive much training in this area other than the basic academy and then later, in some instances, when officers go to homicide investigator's training or major accident investigator training. It is very tough to walk up to a stranger's door and deliver the news. Usually two cops go to the door. While consoling the family member the officers must be cautious not to drop their guard.  The person receiving the bad news might faint, pass out or become hysterical  and, believe it or not, possibly make an attempt to grab the officer or their weapon. If it appears the person is having some extreme reaction it may require a paramedic or fire department response. The law enforcement officer will ask for another friend or family member to come and be with the person. We advise the person not to drive unless they have such a person with them. Some police officers are very religious and offer prayer or other clergy assistance. Many agencies have grief counseling information pre-printed on cards to hand out.