News

Police response following death of South African national in Jersey

Thursday 31 January 2009

RELEASED TO THE JEP AT 16:00 ON THURSDAY 31 JANUARY 2009

A Police spokesman said:

‘Where deaths of foreign nationals occur in Jersey, it is the responsibility of the States of Jersey Police to inform the person’s next of kin in the country where they live, as soon as possible. We contact the force, which, in this case was South Africa, and ask a local Police officer to pass on the message to that person’s family. It is considered inappropriate to contact next of kin by phone to inform them that a family member has died. The rationale for this is to ensure that there is someone on hand when the message is passed, to offer any additional support which may be required.

‘In this case, as in every case, the deceased’s family details were obtained as quickly as possible and a message was passed to them by a South African officer.

‘Interpol is normally used when judicial authority is required to initiate action between international jurisdictions. It is routine for police services to operate on a police to police basis directly in other circumstances such as this.’