A while back I wrote a newsletter on the subject of crime/trauma scene cleanup. If you would like to read it now, you can Click Here

 What to do when the police leave 

This is the name of a book written by Bill Jenkins, a professor of speech and drama at Virginia Union University. He is also the father of William Jenkins who was murdered during the armed robbery of the restaurant he was working at. It was his second day on the job.

The story of this tragedy and its effect on the surviving members of the Jenkins family makes for a gripping, true story but you won't learn about it in this book. If you want to find out more about this tragedy and the people involved you can go to Will's World
an online memorial to William Jenkins.

The book itself, is a practical guide to dealing with the after effects of the death of a loved one or loved ones. One of the best features of the book is a simple checklist of things to do "after the police leave."

Along with the checklist, which he explains in detail; he supplies many useful ideas of the sort that only people who have gone through this kind of trauma themselves would know. These practical ideas for dealing with the unthinkable cover such topics as "bereavement rate" travel packages if friends or family members need to travel to attend services. And, how to deal with local Victims Assistance Programs.

The book is clearly and simply written so that people who are dazed by their tragedy get the best possible help in dealing with all the hurdles they must face; Funerals on sudden notice, dealing with the cleanup work, what if their doctor wants to prescribe anti-depressants, how to handle work issues, etc., etc., etc.

 Why should you read this book? 

I found out about this book while researching crime/trauma scene cleanup. And while this is written for the survivors of crime or fatal accidents you should be knowledgeable about many of these subjects as well. People who are going through tragedies like this are not thinking very clearly and they are in an emotionally charged state. Often times they are alternately despondent, angry, helpless, or just crying buckets.

Reading "What to do when the police leave" will not only give you insights into how to deal with them but also is a great resource that you can use to ease their situation. You might even consider giving away copies of this unique book to the family.

Not only will they thank you and benefit from it, it will make your job of doing the cleanup work much less of an emotional strain on you.

You can find "what to do when the police leave" on amazon.com and I'm sure other online booksellers as well. New, it runs for $12.95, used for as low as $6.50.