The distinction helps explain why two officers’ services may receive different departmental support. It is a planning classification, not a measure of the value of a life or a family’s grief.
| Planning question | Category II | Category III |
|---|---|---|
| Officer’s status | An active officer whose death occurred off duty. Confirm whether the agency classifies the death as duty-related. | A retired officer. Confirm retirement status and the agency’s eligibility rules. |
| Honor guard | May include pallbearers, casket watch and colors. | Often a smaller detail for flag presentation; additional participation may be available. |
| Taps and flag presentation | Often offered, with a live bugler where available. | May include flag presentation and live or recorded Taps. |
| Three-volley salute | Some protocols reserve it for Category I. Do not assume authorization. | Often omitted in this model; consult the actual protocol. |
| Escort and motorcade | May include a limited police escort. Traffic controls require coordination. | May be limited or available on request, depending on staffing and policy. |
| Mourning bands | May be worn through the funeral under the department’s policy. | Department-wide mourning bands are not automatic. |
| Radio tribute | A modified tribute may be offered instead of a full end-of-watch ceremony. | Confirm whether a retirement tribute or other acknowledgment is offered. |
The family’s choices
The liaison should explain the honors the agency can provide and ask which the family wants. Some families prefer a small detail; others welcome a larger police presence. Confirm the plan with the funeral director and agency coordinator, and avoid promising honors before they are authorized.