[directive] RELEASE OF INFORMATION AND PROPERTY  Survivors of homicide and sudden death have identified the inability to readily obtain detailed, accurate information regarding the circumstances of the death as a source of frustration and an impediment to a complete resolution of the grieving process.  The following procedures governing the release of information to survivors of homicide and sudden death were designed to alleviate much of the frustration experienced by the victim's next of kin.  It is suggested that these procedures be followed when information is requested by survivors.  While many survivors will require all available information to successfully deal with the emotional trauma caused by the loss of a loved one, others will be further traumatized by being made aware of the specific details of a death.  In order to ensure that information which can be properly furnished to survivors is made available, it is recommended that each law enforcement agency designate an appropriate staff member to be responsible for coordinating the dissemination of information in all cases involving sudden and unexpected death.  It is further recommended, that where two or more law enforcement agencies are involved, the agency that has primary responsibility should handle the dissemination of appropriate information to both the survivors and the media.  Upon request, all information pertaining to a suicide or an accidental death should be made available to the victim's next of kin.  The individual responsible for disseminating such information should exercise discretion in doing so.  Some survivors may be emotionally able to handle more details than others.  Information pertaining to homicide, including death by auto, and suspicious deaths should be made available by the County Prosecutors Office to the victim's next of kin upon their request provided that the release of the requested information will not jeopardize a criminal investigation.  Autopsy information is available to the victim's next of kin upon their written request to the State or County medical examiner.  Autopsy reports prepared by the medical examiner are generally available within thirty days of the autopsy, however, toxicology reports may take longer.  In cases involving homicide, death by auto and suspicious death, it is recommended that the medical examiner consult with the County Prosecutor prior to releasing autopsy information.  Release of information to the media shall be governed by Executive Order No. 123, which was signed by [...] on November 12, 1985.  It is recommended that specific details pertaining to a death be scrutinized to ensure that the information released will not intensify the grief of surviving family members.  It is strongly suggested that the information released regarding the death be made available to survivors prior to its release to the media.  It is recommended that hospital staff and funeral service personnel provide only that information to the next of kin which is within their specific areas of responsibility.  Hospital staff and funeral service personnel should refer survivors and members of the media to the responsible law enforcement agency for any other information.  In addition to obtaining detailed, accurate information regarding the circumstances of a death, survivors have indicated that they frequently encounter difficulty in securing the return of the deceased's personal property.