Bad news Quote by Ben Aaronovitch
“If you ask any police officer what the worst part of the job is, they will always say breaking bad news to relatives, but this is not the truth. The worst part is staying in the room after you've broken the news, so that you're forced to be there when someone's life disintegrates around them. Some people say it doesn't bother them - such people are not to be trusted.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Rivers of London, 2011
Highlights the emotional burden on police officers who must remain present after delivering tragic news, emphasizing empathy and the weight of witnessing suffering.
In simple terms: Staying after delivering bad news is the hardest part.
Provide support after delivering bad news
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- counseling
- crisis response
- law enforcement training
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can officers be better supported emotionally?
- What practices help process secondary trauma?
May not account for personal coping mechanisms.