04-02 Death Investigations Flashcards
1
Q
What is the Rationale?
A
The prompt and appropriate actions of police officers during the initial stages of an attempt suicide or death investigation, including the officers first on scene, supervisory officers, and divisional investigators, may assist in the quick and successful resolution of the investigation.
The scene of an attempt suicide or a death may contain such hazards as loaded firearms, poisonous gases, live Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) rails, or blood and bodily fluids from persons carrying communicable diseases. It is important that officers exercise caution, while conducting a thorough and proper investigation at such scenes.
2
Q
Supervision
- Supervisory Officer attendance mandatory for
A
o suicide, possible sudden death, unnatural sudden death, suspicious death or suspected homicide
o sudden unexpected death, apparent suicide or accident where the only witness or person present at the time of death or the finding of the body is an intimate partner, past or present
o apparent suicide of a member of the Toronto Police Service (Service) or any other police service
3
Q
- Supervisory Divisional Detective attendance mandatory for
A
o death of a child under five (5) years of age
o sudden unexpected death of a child
o unnatural sudden death
o sudden unexpected death, apparent suicide or accident where the only witness or person present at the time of death or the finding of the body is an intimate partner, past or present
4
Q
- Supervisory Officer notification mandatory for
A
o attempt suicide
o unable to confirm/establish identity of the deceased person
o unable to determine next of kin
o unable to notify next of kin in person
o request by another police service to notify next of kin
o death of a member of the Service or any other police service
5
Q
Procedure
Pronouncing Death
No person, except a qualified medical practitioner, has the authority to pronounce a person dead. The only exceptions are where:
A
- death appears obvious due to decomposition, decapitation, transection, gross rigor mortis, gross outpouring of cranial or visceral contents, or a grossly charred body, or
- a base hospital physician has declared death through consultation with an on–scene paramedic.
6
Q
Any person who has not been pronounced dead by a qualified medical practitioner or does not fall within the above noted exceptions must be treated as a ____ will respond in all cases to render medical assistance as required but will not transport individuals pronounced or obviously dead.
A deceased person will only be transported by_____ Deceased persons will not be transported in the same vehicle as a living patient.
A
living patient. Toronto Paramedic Services (Paramedics)
Paramedics away from public view when a body removal service is not readily available.
7
Q
Officers are reminded to remain vigilant for the possibility of foul play in every circumstance where there is:
A
- a sudden, unexpected death, and
- also present at the time of death or the finding of a body, a partner, and particularly a partner with whom the deceased had or may have had an intimate relationship, recent or remote.
8
Q
Office of the Chief Coroner
The Coroner will be notified and requested to attend in all cases of ______. The Coroner will be responsible for________. The Coroner may be consulted in cases of sudden death by natural causes at the discretion of the investigating officer.
A
unnatural sudden death
pronouncing death in the absence of another qualified medical practitioner and will authorize the removal of the body
9
Q
After pronouncement of death, the body should not be _____. However, it may be possible to allow the family early access and/or movement of the body following the initial discussion with the Coroner regarding the circumstances of death.
A
touched or moved without the direction of the Coroner
10
Q
Death of a Police Service Member
The investigation into the death of a police service member, where the death is an apparent suicide has until recently been the responsibility of the impacted police service. However, these investigations are now separated into two processes:
A
the death investigation and the Coroner’s Review process. The investigation into the death of a Service member can have a significant impact on the wellness of members who knew or worked with the deceased person.
The Homicide and Missing Persons Unit will take carriage of all death investigations involving a current Service member, suspected to be a result of suicide. Similar investigations involving retired members will be assumed on a case-by-case basis. If the deceased person is a member of another police service, the Toronto Police Operations Centre (TPOC) will be notified.
The Coroner’s Review will be undertaken by the Coroner’s Review Officer, assigned by the Regional Supervising Coroner and will be a member of another police service. This review seeks to determine both the factors impacting or surrounding the suicide, as well as steps policing institutions may take to prevent similar deaths in the future.
11
Q
Identification of the Deceased
The investigator heading an investigation, or a police officer designated by the investigator, SHALL attend the morgue and be physically present when a deceased is identified under the following circumstances:
A
- homicide, suspected homicide or other related criminal offences
- cases where the investigating officer has requested the presence of another officer
- cases where an inquest has been or is likely to be called
- when the Coroner believes it is necessary due to the nature of the case, or the condition of the person doing the identification.
- If the identification of the deceased can not be determined at this time, SHALL ensure that The Homicide and Missing Persons Unit is notified via the global e-mail address at MissingPersons. They are available as a resource in all unidentified human remains investigations and will
o provide direction, guidance, follow-up and support, as required
o act as a liaison in relation to these investigations (other than homicide cases) with the Office of the Chief Coroner and Ontario Forensic Pathology Service; and
o will ensure all relevant information is entered on the National Centre for Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains (NCMPUR) website
12
Q
First Police Officer
The first police officer to arrive at the scene SHALL be responsible for
A
offender management (if applicable), preservation of the evidence and the crime scene while awaiting the arrival of an appropriate investigator.
13
Q
First Police Officer
- When responding to an attempt suicide, a possible sudden death or an unnatural sudden death SHALL
A
attend the scene promptly.
14
Q
First Police Officer
- Upon arrival at the scene SHALL
A
- designate a line of approach to the victim that allows for the least contamination possible
- take charge of the scene until the arrival of a supervisory officer
- in the absence of a doctor or Paramedics personnel
o assess the vital signs and responsiveness of the victim
o administer first–aid if signs of life are present while using the universal precautions
o ensure the victim receives immediate medical attention - request additional assistance as required
- request the attendance of a supervisory officer
- pending the arrival of a supervisory officer, assign officers to complete necessary tasks
- advise Paramedics and Toronto Fire Services (TFS) personnel of medical and suicide attempt details
- if the body has been moved, make note of the original position and any items moved to gain access to the body
- ensure the communications operator is advised of the details of the incident
- conduct a Person Query, including a CPIC and Canadian Firearms Registry On–line (CFRO) check
- determine whether any of the individuals involved in the occurrence own, possess or have access to a firearm, ammunition, firearms certificate, registration certificate, permit, licence or authorization
- Officer and public safety are compromised when firearms are left in a deceased’s dwelling and may come into the possession of an unlicensed person and/or person untrained to properly handle firearms.
- ensure a police officer accompanies the victim to hospital
15
Q
Additional Police Officers
- When responding to an attempt suicide, a possible sudden death or an unnatural sudden death SHALL
A
- attend the scene promptly
- in the absence of a supervisory officer take direction from the first police officer
16
Q
Police Officers
- Upon discovering:
SHALL treat the death as suspicious
A
- the death of a child under five (5) years of age
- the sudden unexpected death of a child
- a suspicious death or suspected homicide, which may include
- an unexplained or unknown cause of death
- found human remains
- obvious or suspected foul play
- any other suspicious circumstances
17
Q
Police Officers
- Upon discovering a sudden unexpected death, apparent suicide or accident where the only witness or person present at the time of death or the finding of the body is an intimate partner, past or present SHALL
A
- remain vigilant for the possibility of foul play
- request the attendance of a supervisory officer and a divisional detective
18
Q
Police Officers
- When investigating a sudden death in the emergency department of a hospital SHALL ensure, as part of the investigation that
A
hospital staff and other caregivers have not intentionally interfered with or altered the body in such a way as to compromise the evidence and the investigation.
19
Q
Police Officers
- When investigating an unnatural sudden death SHALL
A
- request the attendance of a supervisory officer and a divisional detective
- request the attendance and confirmation of notification of the Coroner
- request the attendance of an FIS investigator, where applicable
- A Scenes of Crime Officer (SOCO) may only be assigned to examine crime scenes at the discretion of the Officer in Charge – FIS.
- A SOCO SHALL not be assigned to death investigations involving
o the sudden, unexpected death of a child
o the death of a child under five (5) years of age
o a suspicious death or suspected homicide
o apparent suicide of a police service member - When a death occurs on TTC property, an FIS Investigator or a SOCO (with approval from FIS) will photograph the scene.
- leave the body undisturbed when death has been pronounced or where death appears obvious due to decomposition, decapitation, transection, gross rigor mortis, gross outpouring of cranial or visceral contents, or a grossly charred body
- The Coroner will determine when the body will be removed
20
Q
Police Officers
- If the death occurs on TTC Property
A
o Review applicable TTC-CCTV footage as soon as practicable to obtain the initial circumstances of the death
o Provide the information to the supervisory officer, divisional detective, FIS investigator and the Coroner
o Speak with the Coroner by telephone as soon as possible and obtain direction to determine whether the body should remain undisturbed or be removed, and
o If there is a significant delay in speaking with the Coroner, request TPOC contact the Regional Coroner for direction
* promptly notify the Coroner, Paramedics and hospital personnel if a properly completed consent form relating to organ donation is located
* record all relevant details in the memorandum book, including the
o circumstances relating to the finding of the body
o position and description of the body
o physical characteristics of the scene
o description of the approach to and from the body
o personal information on the deceased, including but not limited to
name, address, date and place of birth
occupation, marital status
personal physician and medical history
Ontario Heath / other insurance card, Welfare number, Social Insurance Number
o name, address, occupation and relationship of next of kin
o name, address, phone number and occupation of
the person finding the body
all other persons present
any persons who have left the scene
o method of suicide, if applicable
o text of any suicide note of criminal writing, if applicable
o any relevant information obtained from witnesses and other persons on scene
* canvas the immediate area for any witnesses, where appropriate
* notify the Supervisory Officer if the identification of the deceased cannot be determined
* request FIS to fingerprint and photograph the deceased, if
o any outstanding criminal warrants exist
o an active criminal record is found
o the identification of the deceased is in question
* if an outstanding warrant exists, or a document relating to bail or parole is found, notify the respective unit or police service
21
Q
Police Officers
- When investigating a death resulting from a scuba diving accident SHALL
A
- request the attendance of the Marine Unit
22
Q
Police Officers
- When investigating a death where the deceased is found in a bathtub SHALL record in the memorandum book any of the following information that apply
A
- the approximate depth and temperature (e.g. hot, cold or room temperature) of any water present in the bathtub
- the position of the body (e.g. supine, prone or some other position)
- which end of the bathtub the head was positioned
- whether the body is wet or dry, including the hair
- whether the head is submerged at least up to and including mouth and nose
- whether the fingers and/or feet show signs of prolonged immersion
- whether there is evidence of froth in the mouth or nose
- whether the water stopper is engaged
- whether there is evidence to suggest that the deceased may have fallen into the bathtub.
- A finding of drowning is rarely based on definitive autopsy findings. Information from the initial responder is therefore often critical in these cases in determining the cause and manner of death.
23
Q
Police Officers
- When responding to a rail–related attempt suicide or death on TTC property SHALL
A
- ensure the electrical power is turned off before approaching the track level
- make every effort to restore subway service as soon as practicable
- Undue subway delays cause safety concerns and a tremendous inconvenience to the TTC and the public.
- interview and obtain the name, address and telephone number of all persons present, including the train operator
24
Q
Police Officers
- When investigating a death on TTC property, upon the direction of the Coroner SHALL
A
- obtain a stretcher from under the platform, place the body and any dismembered parts on the stretcher and remove from public view only after
o the Coroner has authorized the removal of the body, and
o the scene has been photographed, and
o a supervisor or detective has been consulted and authorized the removal of the body - if the body must be moved prior to the scene being photographed, outline the position of the body
- Unless otherwise directed, there is no requirement to await the arrival of a detective prior to removing the body.
- All subway platforms have rooms available, out of public view, where the body may be removed at the Coroner’s direction. This permits the TTC a timely return to service and protects the sensibilities of the public. These rooms also allow for temporary storage of the remains until such time as body removal services are available.
- ensure the area is clear before arranging for the electrical power to be restored
25
Police Officers
12. When investigating an attempt suicide/suicide by apparent gas poisoning (natural gas, carbon monoxide, etc.) SHALL
* ensure that no person in the immediate area uses any item which may cause unintentional ignition, such as an open flame, cigarette, electric switch, doorbell, cellular telephone or portable radio, etc.
* if it is safe to do so
o turn off the source of the gas
o remove the victim to fresh air
o conduct a search of the location for other persons and remove them to safety
26
Police Officers
13. When there are concerns that a hazard continues to exist SHALL
* evacuate all persons
* request assistance to evaluate the hazard
* not remain in the area
* The TFS, local utilities, and the Ministry of the Environment are equipped to remove such hazards.
* consider the notification and attendance of the Emergency Management & Public Order – Explosive Disposal Unit (EDU)
27
Police Officers
14. When investigating an attempt suicide/suicide by drug overdose or ingestion of poison SHALL
exercise extreme caution
* Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is highly toxic and potentially lethal in small doses. As it may be skin permeable, proper handling of suspected fentanyl is essential to minimizing potential health risks for members.
* refrain from handling any container containing a poison until advised that it is safe to do so
* collect evidence in compliance with Procedures.
* consult with FIS to determine if any items are to be removed from the scene
* when seizing prescription and controlled substances on behalf of the Coroner or in relation to a criminal investigation, complete the applicable eReport including, where possible
o names of the medication located at death scene
o prescription number
o prescribed to (patient name)
o dosage instructions
o name of the pharmacy where the prescription was filled
o date of the prescription
o name of the prescribing physician
o number of pills, vials or patches, etc. prescribed and remaining
* Medications should not be taken to Forensic Pathology Units or hospital–based pathology units, unless specifically requested by the pathologist, and only following a case–by–case consideration. Medications SHALL not be placed in the body bag or otherwise sent with the body.
28
Police Officers
15. When investigating an attempt suicide or death by gunshot SHALL
* if the firearm must be moved for safety reasons, ensure detailed notes are completed regarding the condition of the firearm, including the position of the action, safety, and any ammunition
* when seizing any firearm, ensure the firearm is rendered safe and the firearm, ammunition and any ejected ammunition components are handled
29
Police Officers
16. When investigating a death attributed to consumer products SHALL notify Health Canada, Consumer Product Safety.
* Consumer products may include such things as: children’s playthings and equipment; flammable items; sports equipment; household and garden items; dangerous household chemical products; and charcoal products.
30
Police Officers
17. When the apparent cause of death is hanging SHALL
remove the person in such a manner as to preserve the knot, whenever possible.
31
Police Officers
18. When the death is apparently caused by jumping or being thrown from a height SHALL
* search the area for articles of clothing, property or identification which may have fallen from the body
* search the area for body parts, if applicable
* search the location from which the person jumped
32
Police Officers
19. When the Coroner has ordered an autopsy SHALL
* except in cases of homicides and criminally suspicious deaths, search the pockets and clothing of the deceased for any illicit drugs or drug related paraphernalia
* These items create a high-risk situation for all involved and must never accompany the body sent for post-mortem examination, except in cases of homicides and criminally suspicious deaths.
* remain with the body until the removal service has attended
* record in the memorandum book the
o presence or absence of any valuables, including jewellery
o exact position of the jewellery on the body
o details of the removal of the body
* maintain continuity by accompanying the body to the morgue or applying a TPS 214 to the body bag prior to removal to the morgue
* Bodies should always be transported and stored in the supine (face up) position pending postmortem examination to avoid introducing artefacts which may obscure postmortem findings.
33
Police Officers
20. When the next of kin is present at the location of a natural sudden death
* SHALL search the deceased and list valuables and personal effects in the memorandum book
* SHALL give all valuables and personal effects to the next of kin, requesting that they sign the memorandum book in receipt
* SHALL offer the next of kin the use of Victim Services Toronto
* where there are concerns about the well–being of the next of kin, in addition to offering the use of Victim Services Toronto, should consider contacting other family members, neighbours, friends, or clergy to assist
* where no autopsy has been ordered, SHALL ensure the well–being of the next of kin prior to leaving the scene, including assistance in contacting a funeral service
* if the deceased is obviously destitute, should advise the next of kin they may apply to Toronto Social Services for burial or to the Last Post Fund if the deceased is a former member of the Canadian Forces
34
Police Officers
21. When the next of kin is not present at the scene of a natural sudden death or cannot be determined SHALL
* remain with the body until it is removed
* search the body (in the presence of a witness, when possible) for information concerning the next of kin
* search the dwelling of the deceased for information pertaining to the next of kin
* seize valuables for safekeeping in compliance with Procedures
* make a record of medical information, bank accounts and insurance policies
* ensure the premises are secured until the next of kin or the public trustee is notified, or request the landlord to store large items until any of these persons are notified
* notify the Supervisory Officer
* notify the appropriate Children’s Aid Society, if applicable
* arrange for the care of pets
* notify the next of kin as soon as possible
35
Police Officers
22. After the at–scene portion of the investigation has been completed SHALL
* complete the applicable eReports, including such information as the circumstances, and the persons and units notified of the death
* scan and attach all memorandum notes and hardcopy reports to the original eReport
* A Firearms Interest Police (FIP) entry is auto generated and uploaded to CPIC from the eReport entry. The FIP database in CPIC flags an individual applying for a firearms licence who has committed, or threatened to commit, an act of violence. Such a flag is not an automatic refusal to issue a licence but assists in the initial screening process or subsequent review by a Chief Firearms Officer.
36
Police Officers
23. When assigned to attend a postmortem examination SHALL
obtain the results and add the supplementary information to the original eReport.
37
Supervisory Officer
The first supervisory officer SHALL be responsible for the
quality and thoroughness of the uniform response.
38
Supervisory Officer
24. When notified of an attempt suicide SHALL
assess the situation and attend the scene, if necessary.
39
Supervisory Officer
25. When notified of a sudden death SHALL
attend the scene promptly.
40
Supervisory Officer
26. When notified of an unnatural sudden death SHALL
* take charge of the scene
* provide assistance and direction to the police officers at the scene
* ensure a police officer accompanies the body to the hospital
* request/assign further assistance, as required
* ensure the attendance of
o a divisional detective
o the Coroner
o a FIS investigator
* where the death is an apparent suicide, if the deceased person is a member of the Service, notify Homicide and Missing Persons forthwith
* Homicide and Missing Persons SHALL be assigned and take carriage of the death investigation
* if the deceased person is a member of another police service, notify TPOC
* advise the Officer in Charge of all pertinent information
* ensure a police officer has been assigned to notify the next of kin, if necessary
* Whenever possible, notification of next of kin should be made by a supervisory officer in lieu of a constable.
41
Supervisor
28. When dealing with:
SHALL treat the death as suspicious
* the death of a child under five (5) years of age
* the sudden unexpected death of a child
* a suspicious death or suspected homicide, which may include
* an unexplained or unknown cause of death
o found human remains
o obvious or suspected foul play
o any other suspicious circumstances
42
Supervisor
29. When notified of a sudden unexpected death, apparent suicide or accident where the only witness or person present at the time of death or the finding of the body is an intimate partner, past or present SHALL
* remain vigilant for the possibility of foul play
* ensure the attendance of a divisional detective
43
Detective – Division
The divisional investigator SHALL be responsible for
ensuring effective management of the scene, the thoroughness of the investigation, and that the appropriate notifications are made
44
Detective – Division
30. When notified of an unnatural sudden death SHALL
* attend the scene and co–ordinate the investigation
* ensure the attendance of FIS personnel, as required
* ensure Homicide and Missing Persons and TPOC are notified, as applicable
* ensure that valuables seized for safekeeping are handled in compliance with Procedures
* provide direction concerning the return of valuables to the next of kin
* confer with the attending Coroner and
o obtain a copy of the Coroner's warrant;
o provide the following information to the Coroner before leaving the scene
o original eReport number
o identification of deceased and method of confirmation, if known
name, address, phone number and relationship of next of kin, if known; and
name, badge number and a contact phone number of assigned investigator
* It is imperative that the Coroner is provided with a contact number of the assigned investigator in the event that additional information is required from the Service prior to the autopsy being conducted.
* ensure identification of the deceased person is confirmed, if possible
* add supplementary information to the original eReport listing
o method of identification confirmation; and
o name, address and phone number of the person making the identification
* when the Coroner has ordered an autopsy, ensure the reports are completed prior to the Post Mortem Examination
* The Initial Officer Report will be automatically e-transferred to the Office of the Chief Coroner. Any requests from the Office of the Chief Coroner for additional information must be made and authorized for release by Homicide and Missing Persons.
* maintain continuity by ensuring
* a TPS 214 is applied to the body bag prior to removal to the morgue, or
* a police officer accompanies the body to the morgue
* ensure an officer attends and obtains the results of the Postmortem Examination then adds the supplementary information to the original eReport
* consider and exercise, where applicable, all powers of search and seizure, with and without warrant, relating to weapons, firearms, ammunition, explosives and the related licences, certificates or permits
* notify Organized Crime Enforcement – Integrated Gun & Gang Task Force when firearms are or may be a factor
* notify Homicide and Missing Persons via the global e-mail address
* Homicide and Missing Persons is available as a resource in all unidentified human remains investigations that will
o provide direction, guidance, follow-up and support
o act as a liaison in relation to these investigations (other than homicide cases) with the Office of the Chief Coroner and Ontario Forensic Pathology Services, and
o ensure all relevant information is entered on the National Centre for Missing Persona and Unidentified Remains (NCMPUR) website
* After hours, the Homicide and Missing Persons on-call officer can be reached through the TPOC
45
Detective – Division
31. When dealing with:
SHALL treat the death as suspicious
* the death of a child under five (5) years of age
* the sudden unexpected death of a child
* a suspicious death or suspected homicide, which may include
* an unexplained or unknown cause of death
* found human remains
* obvious or suspected foul play
* any other suspicious circumstances
46
Detective – Division
32. When notified of a sudden unexpected death, apparent suicide or accident where the only witness or person present at the time of death or the finding of the body is an intimate partner, past or present SHALL
* attend the scene and co–ordinate the investigation
* conduct a thorough investigation, remaining vigilant for the possibility of foul play
* determine if there is a history of prior intimate partner violence, intimate relationship dysfunction, or anything else to arouse suspicion
* consult with the Coroner and the FIS investigator
* if suspicious circumstances exist, consult with a member of the on–call Homicide Team prior to leaving the scene
47
Detective – Division
33. When in receipt of a request to release a suicide note to the next of kin SHALL consult with
Records Management Services (RMS) – Information Access – Access and Privacy Section on the appropriate course of action.
48
Detective – Division
34. When the deceased cannot be readily identified SHALL
* request that FIS fingerprint and photograph the deceased
* consider the use of the FIS Forensic Artist to complete a reconstructed image for a media release
* request that the coroner have a dentist complete an OPC 105
* ensure the OPC 105 is scanned and attached to the original eReport
* ensure the eReport number is forwarded to RMS – Operations (RMS – Ops) for inclusion in the CPIC Dental Characteristics file
* consider contacting FIS regarding the completion of Interpol Disaster Victim Identification forms and the gathering of samples for DNA analysis and comparison
* continue efforts to locate and notify the next of kin
* ensure identification is made by a relative, a close friend or a person who knows the deceased in the presence of a morgue official
49
Officer in Charge
The Officer in Charge is responsible for ensuring an
appropriate uniform response and, in the absence of the detective sergeant, an appropriate investigative response.
50
Officer in Charge
35. When notified of a suicide where there exists a suicide note or criminal writing SHALL ensure the suicide note, and any other writings made by the deceased relevant to the investigation are
* scanned and attached to the original eReport
* e-transferred to the Office of the Chief Coroner, along with a copy of the completed eReports.
51
Officer in Charge
36. When notified of an unnatural sudden death SHALL ensure
* detective personnel are assigned and attend the scene
* ensure Homicide and Missing Persons and TPOC are notified, as applicable
* a copy of the completed eReport is forwarded to the Office of the Chief Coroner as soon as practicable, and prior to the postmortem examination
* The Initial Officer Report is automatically e-transferred to the Office of the Chief Coroner. Any requests from the Office of the Chief Coroner for additional information must be made and approved for release by Homicide and Missing Persons.
* if involving a foreign national, notify Intelligence Services – Strategic Assessment and Analysis Section
* Landed Immigrants should be considered foreign nationals as they remain citizens of the country from which they emigrated.
52
Officer in Charge
37. When notified of :
SHALL treat the death as suspicious
* the death of a child under five (5) years of age
* the sudden unexpected death of a child
* a suspicious death or suspected homicide, which may include
o an unexplained or unknown cause of death
o found human remains
o obvious or suspected foul play
o any other suspicious circumstances
53
Investigator – Detective Operations - Forensic Identification Services
38. When investigating the sudden unexpected death of a child under eighteen (18) years of age, SHALL
* attend the scene and autopsy
54
Compassionate Messages
From time–to–time, it may be necessary to notify next of kin of the death of a person involved in a police investigation. Such messages are very traumatic to receive. Therefore, it is important to ensure that
the notification is made in a compassionate yet professional manner.
55
Police Officer
40. When it is necessary to notify next of kin SHALL
complete the Next of Kin Information screen page.
56
Police Officer
41. When assigned to notify a next of kin of a death SHALL
* ensure the victim has been properly identified
* deliver the message in person or if unable to deliver the message in person, consult with a supervisory officer
* make every effort to contact the next of kin and deliver the information
* make every effort to leave the next of kin in the company of a support person or where appropriate, request the assistance of Victim Services Toronto
57
Police Officer
42. When delivering a compassionate message on behalf of the investigating officer, obtain the necessary information from the original eReport, including
* as much information as possible concerning the deceased such as how, when and where the death occurred
* the next of kin information
* other information deemed pertinent for the notification
* the name, badge number and contact information of the investigating officer
58
Police Officer
43. When assigned to notify a next of kin of a death on behalf of another police service SHALL
contact the appropriate member at the other police service to obtain the information listed in item 42.
59
Police Officer
44. Upon completion of the notification SHALL notify the
investigating officer of the results.
60
Police Officer
45. If attempts to reach a relative/next of kin are unsuccessful SHALL
* notify a supervisory officer
* add supplementary information to the original eReport
* send the relevant information and the original eReport number by V–mail to the Prime handle
* RMS – Ops will create and post a BOLO
* if the deceased person is or appears to be of Aboriginal ancestry contact the Community Partnerships and Engagement Unit (CPEU) – Aboriginal Peacekeeping section by telephone or by e–mail at “Aboriginal Peacekeeping” for assistance in locating next of kin
* Additional assistance can be obtained from members of First Nations across Canada or from social agencies dealing with Aboriginal issues. The web link to social agencies within the City of Toronto is available on the CPEU – Aboriginal Peacekeeping webpage on the Internet.
* add supplementary information to the original eReport, including the Sudden Death Detail page
61
Police Officer
46. When it is necessary to request the notification of a next of kin by another police service SHALL
notify a supervisory officer and advise of the details.
62
Police Officer
47. Upon successful notification of the relative/next of kin SHALL
complete the notified section of the Next of Kin Information screen.
63
Supervisory Officer
48. When it is necessary to notify a next of kin should ensure the notification is
* made in person
* made by a supervisory officer in lieu of a constable
* Notification of a death as a result of a motor vehicle collision SHALL be the responsibility of the Traffic Services Supervisor. Unless deemed inappropriate, notification of a death as a result of a homicide SHALL be made by an investigating officer from Detective Operations - Homicide and Missing Persons.
64
Supervisory Officer
49. Upon receiving a request for notification of a next of kin outside the jurisdiction of the Service SHALL
* contact a supervisor at the appropriate police service and provide the information
* if the initial contact is by telephone, follow with a CPIC message or e–mail and include the information
* Providing a written request to back–up a telephone request will reduce the likelihood of incorrect information being conveyed to the next of kin.
65
Supervisory Officer
50. When advised that notification of next of kin in person is unsuccessful SHALL
* notify the divisional detective to continue the effort
66
Detective – Division
51. If the attempts of the original police officer to reach a relative/next of kin are unsuccessful SHALL
* continue efforts to notify the next of kin as soon as possible
* consider contacting neighbours, friends, clergy or community agencies with which the deceased had contact, in order to locate the next of kin
* consider contacting community–based ethnic, cultural and social agencies for assistance in locating and notifying next of kin
* Victim Services Toronto can assist by providing contact with these agencies.
* contact the office of the Public Trustee for assistance where no next of kin can be located
67
Detective – Division
52. If continued efforts to notify the next of kin are still unsuccessful SHALL advise
the detective sergeant.
68
Detective Sergeant – Division
53. Upon receiving information that a police officer has been unable to contact a next of kin SHALL
take the appropriate action to ensure that the next of kin is notified.
69
