In addition, the stress of the situation affects the messenger as well as the loved ones. Police officers can reduce the negative, stressful impact of the painful news on themselves and the receivers by following some simple and proven procedures. They should consider the death notification process a crisis and be aware of the profound, normal emotions that survivors experience. Officers should start by obtaining as much information as possible about the victim and the circumstances surrounding the death. Next, they should decide how they will present the information and what they will say. Finally, they should notify the survivors in person, not over the telephone, and they should do it as soon as possible. They should never offer false hope, and should allow ample time to provide information, support, and direction to survivors. They may want to wait a few days before providing information to families of homicide victims about resources such as victim compensation, depending on the survivors' emotional status. They should keep survivors notified of the progress of the case, if the death resulted from violence. They should also advise survivors of their right to file a victim impact statement. They should remember that the courage and strength of character they need in their work includes not only physical bravery, but also emotional fortitude and compassionate resolve, especially in handling death notifications. Checklist, notes, and lists of victim assistance and bereavement resources