Dealing with Trauma:
An Evidence Technician’s Unexpected Duty
By Melissa Moss
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
Do you know what to do when someone is crying? Are you aware of how to handle delicate situations that involve tears, anger and disbelief? Many of us are not, and unfortunately, it’s part of the job. For example, what are we to say when the surviving family of a suicide case comes to pick up their loved one’s belongings? Or how do we handle the mother whose baby died under the supervision of a daycare provider? These are tough questions, and even tougher situations.
Here at Jefferson County S.O., we are fortunate to have a Victim’s Services division that handles people on-scene and throughout the court process. However, these advocates aren’t usually involved in the process of returning evidence. For some words of wisdom on this very trying and emotional aspect of the Evidence Technician’s duties, I spoke with our Victim’s Services Supervisor, Anndelynn Martin. Below are some of suggestions that may apply directly to the Evidence Technician.
1. Tend to safety and security issues the victims may have at the time, including destructive actions they may place upon themselves.
2. Allow the victims to vent their feelings and validate these feelings so long as they are not destructive toward others or self-blaming. Often victims blame themselves, and we need to try to remind them that they cannot control the actions of others.
3. Prepare them for steps they may have to face in dealing with retrieval of property or further contact with the agency. Help them to predict what resources they may need in the future.
4. Move victims to a quiet location away from onlookers. This is sometimes difficult when working in an evidence vault, but perhaps the best idea is to organize it so that no other people are scheduled at the same time.
5. Help them call a support person if they want.
6. People in a crisis often feel they have lost control, so help them regain that sense of control by encouraging that they make even the smallest decision (e.g. Would they like a glass of water or coffee? Would they like to stand or have a seat?)
7. Practice active listening skills.
8. Don’t try to solve the problem.
9. Don’t ask questions that suggest the victims could be blamed for the crime.
10. Don’t say, “I understand,” or “everything’s going to be all right,” but you can say, “I am so sorry this happened to you.”
11. Don’t touch or hold the victims unless they shows signs that such comfort is welcome.
This is just a partial list of skills and ideas that may help you with your next difficult situation. Keep in mind that each situation is different. If you are fortunate enough to work for an agency that has a Victim’s Services unit, speak with them. They may be more than willing to train those in the vault to deal with these people in a helpful and sensitive manner.