Some thoughts on providing effective mental health critical care for police departments after Line-of-Duty Deaths.

There is no more stressful or emotionally painful event in the professional lives of police officers than a fellow officer's Line-of-Duty Death (LODD). In response to a LODD, crisis teams must apply Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) techniques in a systematic, organized, and responsible manner. Newly formed crisis teams are particularly vulnerable to choosing inappropriate tactics in complex situations. This article provides a strategic framework within which teams can work with police departments after a LODD. It includes cautionary information in connection with problematic situations and mistakes that can occur. Special modifications to the LODD debriefing process are recommended.