“Jackson Police Department’s New Death Notification Policy: A Response to National Headlines and Tragic Cases”

Accident – death – Obituary News : The issue of death notifications, or the lack thereof, by the Jackson Police Department (JPD) has garnered national attention in recent months. Multiple families have come forward, stating that the department failed to reach out to them regarding the deaths of their loved ones. In response to these incidents, Chief Joseph Wade announced the creation of a new death notification policy for the JPD in early November. However, details of the policy were not initially disclosed.

The new policy was introduced following the high-profile case of Dexter Wade, who was tragically struck and killed by an off-duty JPD officer on March 5. Dexter’s mother, Bettersten Wade, filed a missing-persons report shortly after his death, but she was not notified of his demise until October. Shockingly, Dexter had been buried in an unmarked grave at a Hinds County penal farm, as his body went unclaimed. Subsequently, two more families discovered that their loved ones had also been buried in the penal farm without any notification from the JPD or the Hinds County Coroner’s office. Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump has taken on the case and has called for an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice. Crump recently stated that more families may join the case once the identities of all those buried at the farm have been verified.

Attorney Ben Crump, who represents the families of the three men buried in a pauper’s grave, expressed suspicion regarding the lack of communication from the JPD. He emphasized the importance of timely notification and stated that it would have been better for Bettersten Wade to have known about her son’s death on March 5, rather than being informed six months later. JPD Public Information Officer Sam Brown acknowledged that the Dexter Wade case highlighted the absence of a formal death notification policy within the department. Previously, death notifications were considered a common practice but were not officially documented. Brown clarified that once a body is handed over to the Hinds County Coroner’s Office, it becomes the responsibility of the coroner’s office to inform the families. He mentioned that JPD and the coroner’s office attempt to coordinate with each other regarding notifications.

In mid-December, three homicides occurred within a 24-hour period in Jackson. Brown confirmed that each of the families affected by these incidents had been duly notified.

The newly unveiled policy aims to ensure prompt notification to the adult next of kin and/or significant other in all cases handled by the JPD. All 261 officers, including new recruits, have received training on the policy. Officers are required to establish a next-of-kin priority list when making notifications, with no contact to be made with additional individuals until every effort to locate the highest-priority person has been exhausted. Notifications should be made as soon as possible, preferably in person rather than via telephone or written correspondence. If the next of kin or significant other resides outside JPD’s jurisdiction, the appropriate law enforcement agency should be contacted for assistance. The officer should provide all available details and request a quick notification and immediate verification.

The responsibility for making notifications lies with each unit within the JPD, such as the Crimes Against Persons Unit or the Accident Investigations Unit. The delivery of notifications should be conducted with a slow, calm demeanor, exercising extreme tact and sensitivity. Officers must refrain from discussing the cause of death, particularly in cases of violence, accidents, or murder. Such discussions should be left to medical professionals or examiners at a later time. The document emphasizes the importance of officers displaying sympathy and a genuine desire to assist during the notification process.

The policy outlines additional procedures for death notifications, including efforts to locate and notify the next of kin or significant other as soon as possible. Essential details regarding the deceased, such as their full name, age, gender, home address, location, nature and time of death, and the location of the body, should be gathered and verified by the officers. It is recommended that officers do not perform the notification alone but have another officer or a member of the coroner’s office accompany them. If the notification is conducted alone, the officer should offer assistance in contacting a relative or close friend. Additionally, officers may request permission to enter the next of kin’s home to provide the notification, considering the personal and private nature of the information and to offer support for any medical or psychological needs. The officer is required to document the notification in their police report, including the date, time, location, and the name and relation of the person who was notified.

In conclusion, the implementation of the new death notification policy by the Jackson Police Department aims to address the failures in communication that have garnered national attention. With the training of all officers and the establishment of clear procedures, the JPD intends to ensure that prompt and compassionate notifications are made to the next of kin and significant others in all cases under their jurisdiction. This policy is a step towards rectifying the past failures and fostering trust and credibility within the community..