Emotional toll of infant death investigations on police revealed in new study

Researchers uncover four compounding stressors faced by law enforcement during SUID investigations in the U.S.

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — Law enforcement officials responding to sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) cases face a uniquely distressing set of challenges that can have lasting emotional consequences, according to a new study from Lane Community College in Eugene, Oregon, and RTI International, an independent scientific research institute.

The study is the first to examine the lived experiences of law enforcement officers involved in SUID investigations. Through in-depth interviews with 26 officers in the Pacific Northwest, researchers identified four interrelated stressors that compound during these cases: limited experience because of the rarity of SUIDs, the emotional weight of infant victims, ambiguous scene findings that create role conflict and intense emotions that challenge professional detachment.

“These cases are rare, but they leave a deep impression that does not go away,” said Hope Smiley-McDonald, Ph.D., a senior research sociologist at RTI. “Officers described feeling unprepared, emotionally overwhelmed, and torn between comforting grieving families and investigating potential crimes.”

Unlike other death investigations, SUID cases often lack clear evidence and are not typically criminal in nature. Yet law enforcement must proceed cautiously, balancing investigative rigor with compassion for grieving caregivers. Officers reported feeling conflicted and uncertain, especially when tasked with interviewing parents or attending infant autopsies.

The study also found that officers rarely receive formal support or mental health resources following these investigations. Despite the emotional toll, none of the participants referenced agency-provided wellness programs or debriefing protocols.

To address these gaps, the researchers recommend three key reforms: improved training and preparation for SUID investigations, enhanced support during active cases and greater investment in mental health resources for law enforcement. Suggestions include the use of checklists, peer mentoring and  ensuring appropriate staffing and administrative attention.

The research team composed of Drs. Jennifer Snippen (Principal Investigator; Lane Community College), Meret Hofer (RTI), and Smiley-McDonald (RTI) published their study in Police Practice and Research. 

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