INTRODUCTION

Line-of-duty death is a possibility that police families must prepare for. The ability of survivors to cope with line-of-duty death is directly affected by the department’s reaction to the tragedy and the knowledge the family has concerning their rights and benefits.

The purpose of this booklet is to provide police families and agencies with general information about benefits to families in the event of a line-of-duty death. This booklet is not a legal document nor is it intended to serve as a legal interpretation of existing statues. In fact, information on the death benefits listed may have been changed through legislation or contract negotiations without our knowledge. This document is for information only.

Concerns of Police Survivors, Inc. does not warrant that all or any benefits will be awarded to survivors who apply. Survivors may use the information contained herein to verify with local agencies and offices that they are receiving all benefits to which they are entitled or may investigate whether they are entitled to benefits listed in this reference booklet.

The compilation of benefits information for the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico occurred over a five-year period, utilizing hundreds of reference sources. Concerns of Police Survivors, Inc. would sincerely appreciate knowing of any errors or updates in this document. Send documentation of corrected or most current information to Concerns of Police Survivors, P.O. Box 3199, Camdenton, MO 65020.

This project was supported by Grant Number 94-PS-DX-0001 awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.

An acknowledgment of appreciation to members of the COPS staff who took part in this tedious compilation process, with special thanks to Executive Assistant Terrie Soper, and a special thank-you to Mr. Fred Tredy, Los Angeles Police Protective League, for getting this project off on the right foot.

For the Complete Report