Entwicklung und Evaluation eines Trainings zur Optimierung der Überbringung von Todesnachrichten durch Polizeibeamte

This article consists of a presentation of the development and evaluation of a training program for police officers designed to optimise the delivery of notices about death. A previously run analysis showed that both the bereaved as well as the messengers are gravely emotionally affected. Therefore, a short-time training has been developed in order to impart knowledge as well as skills concerning this special type of professional stress. Furthermore and consequently, it is intended to prevent minatorial trauma. The pilot study was run with 12 students and yielded excellent evidence about contentment with the training, order of its constituents, learning matter, facilities and didactics. The statistical evaluation was conducted with 108 police apprentices. Again, very positive effects could be found: high contentment, significant gain in knowledge, and increase of self-efficacy were validated. Hence, an element of education is on hand that potentially improves the professional expertise and the ability to cope with stress.