01-03 Appendix F - Privacy Shields

Question 1

What is the Rationale?

Answer 1

The Toronto Police Service recognizes the Charter of Rights and Freedoms violation arising from the videotaping of individuals in custody using the toilet facilities and has adopted the use of privacy shields.

Question 2

Booking Officer / Accompanying Officer

1. When a person lodged in a divisional cell/bullpen is using the toilet facilities SHALL

Answer 2

• inform the person on video
  o they are monitored by video camera at all times while in the divisional cell/bullpen
  o they have the option to use a privacy shield while using the toilet facilities
• monitor the person for safety reasons while in possession of the privacy shield
• make a notation in their memorandum book if the person declines to use the privacy shield
• complete the Privacy Shield text template

Question 3

2. When denying issuance of a privacy shield SHALL

Answer 3

• consult with the Officer in Charge
• advise the person of the reason for not issuing the privacy shield
• make a notation in their memorandum book, including the justification

Question 4

The issuance of a privacy shield may be denied for

Answer 4

safety reasons if it can be proven that there are specific overriding safety concerns that cannot be resolved.

Question 5

Officer in Charge

When the booking officer / accompanying officer is denying the issuance of a privacy shield SHALL ensure the officer

Answer 5

• is able to articulate the reason for the decision
• records the justification in their memorandum book