Funeral Policy for Officers who have Committed Suicide

Suicide has become a severe problem in modern society, especially among law enforcement personnel. Due to a variety of causes, the suicide of an officer is likely to cause significant crises and instability inside the organization. As a result, to eliminate the confusion and indecision caused by loss and sorrow, the agency must always be prepared through funeral planning. The head of the agency needs to have the funeral policy in place for easier planning of the deceased’s burial and to offer financial assistance to his or her families. In our agency, we have developed the following funeral subsidy policy for any of our officer who may commit suicide.

Financial Support

Though the suicide deaths are unthinkable occurrences, it is prudent for the agency and its members to decide about before it happens. Thus, the head should develop the funeral insurance policy whose benefits will be dedicated towards the funeral expenses. The insurer could get involved by offering the funeral services or giving cash or both. With the assistance of the agency’s head, the family members will be in contact with the insurer to advice on all available funding sources and the funeral coverage. Basically, the plan will cover the services and expenditures such as the casket, clothing for deceased, cremation, medicate certificate of death, transportation of remains, clergy or officiate, death registration, ferrying assistance for immediate family members, internment and burial or cremation permit.

Funeral Services

Even in our agency, we appreciate that loss of the loved one is one of the darkest moment. To have the necessary strength, the agency appreciates that the intervention of God through the prayers is necessary. In conjunction with the family members, we will support to ensure that the funeral service takes place at the right place. It may be at the church, burial place or funeral home.

Funeral Music

In our agency, we appreciate the involvement of various stakeholders in the funeral service including those involving our officers. As a result, the funeral music is those that the family members, church and the community will deem appropriate.

Funeral Date and Time

The date and time for the officer’s burial will be determined by the family members in consultation with our agency, community elders and the pastor or any other relevant authority.

Culture and Diversity

The agency appreciates that each culture respond and handle deaths in varying ways. In addition, our agency has its traditional way of handling funeral of sworn members. The head of the agency will consider the officer’s religion and culture and leave the community to perform their special arrangements or practices. Observing all those services and ceremonies will leave everyone satisfied at the end of the funeral.

After those practices, the traditional police funeral will resume and conducted by uniformed personnel, the agency’s head gives the eulogy, interment ceremonies including honors of rifle salute, flag fold, taps and presentation. This special recognition is crucial for the sworn officers and it is the opportunity to manifest final tribute to the deceased.

Application for Funeral Assistance

Applicant’s name (may be the next of kin or a counselor)…………………………………………

Address …………………………………………………………………………………………....

Phone number ……………………………Identification card no…………………………………

Name of deceased officer …………………………………………………………………………

Deceased officer’s identification card no………………………………………………………….

Official use only

Name, address and contacts of agency head………………………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

I hereby declare that I am aware of the demise of our officer and subsequent receipt of the financial assistance request for funeral and burial costs.

Signature …………………………………………………..

Date ………………………………………………………..