What You Will Learn

by John Cooley

Law enforcement officers frequently deal with unspeakable, and often senseless, tragedy. On a daily basis, we witness the most gruesome, callous things human beings can do to one another, and, no matter how much we may empathize with the victims and their families, we must deal with these situations objectively and professionally.

But when one of the law enforcement agency’s own is the victim, dealing with such a tragedy becomes extremely personal. It’s hard to remain objective and organized when you’re grieving.

A myriad activities

A line of duty funeral involves myriad activities, events, tasks, services, and ceremonies. It typically involves over a hundred topics to be reviewed, evaluated, modified, applied, managed, and coordinated, all on a strict time line.

There will be little opportunity for in-depth discussions, revisions and preparations. A select strategic planning team may find themselves responsible for a staff of a hundred people on the day of the services, with events at several locations, and attendance in the thousands. All of this occurs simultaneously with the criminal , traffic, or death investigation, as well as during a time of collective shock and grief for the agency.

The manager of the funeral planning should be as competent as the incident’s lead investigator to provide the necessary guidance to insure a dignified, respectful, and honorable traditional police funeral.

Issues to be addressed in the Seminar & Workshop:

1. Funding

2. Who Pays For What

3. Trust Funds

4. Collection of Personal & Agency Property

5. Presentation of National Flag from Agency

6. Family Liaison Officer Selection

7. Strategic Planning Team Members & Responsibility 

8. Primary Coordinator Responsibilities:

A. Personnel
B. Logistics
C. Traffic
D. Church
E. Ushers
F. Media
G. Honor Guard
H. Interment

9. Church Events

10. Motorcade Planning

11. Internment Events

12. Agency Informational Meetings

13. Viewing / Vigil Considerations

14. Religious & Cultural Issues

15. Unwanted Attendees

16. Multiple Deaths

17. Services/Memorials at Sports Arena or Auditorium

18. Anticipated Death — Is There A Need To Plan?

19. Photographer / Videographer Guidelines

20. Day After Services Debriefing (Strategic Planning Team)