04-16 Death In Police Custody Flashcards
What is the mandate of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU)?
The SIU mandate is invoked whenever an in-custody death occurs.
The SIU investigates incidents involving police officials that may have resulted in death or serious injury.
What types of investigations does the SIU conduct?
The SIU conducts investigations into:
* the death of a person
* the serious injury of a person
* the discharge of a firearm at a person
* the sexual assault of a person
These incidents must involve the criminal conduct of a Service official.
Who conducts parallel investigations during a death in police custody?
The SIU and Detective Operations - Homicide conduct parallel investigations.
Homicide also supports the Coroner in these investigations.
What is the role of the Police Officer - Forensic Identification Services (FIS) at a scene of death in police custody?
The FIS must await the arrival of the SIU forensic investigator before commencing evidence collection.
This ensures that evidence is properly collected and handled.
What actions must a Supervisory Officer take when notified of a death in police custody?
A Supervisory Officer must:
* attend the scene
* request attendance of investigators from Homicide and FIS
* ensure compliance with Procedures 04–02 and 13–16
* notify the Officer in Charge and TPOC
These steps are crucial for proper management of the incident.
What responsibilities does a Detective from Homicide have upon arriving at the scene of an in-custody death?
The Detective must:
* take charge of the investigation
* confer with the attending Coroner
This ensures that the investigation is conducted properly from the outset.
What must the Officer in Charge do when notified of a death in police custody?
The Officer in Charge must:
* ensure attendance of Homicide and FIS investigators
* ensure compliance with Procedures 04–02 and 13–16
* notify the Unit Commander
* notify the Officer in Charge – TPOC
These notifications are essential for maintaining protocol.
What is the Chief’s SIU On-Call Designated Authority’s role?
This authority must ensure the SIU is promptly notified and comply with Procedure 13–16.
This role is critical for immediate and effective response.
Define ‘Death in Custody’.
Death in Custody refers to the death of a person during an arrest/detention before their release or transfer to another agency’s custody.
This definition is important for legal and procedural clarity.
Under what conditions can the SIU Director cause an investigation to be conducted?
The SIU Director may cause an investigation if:
* the official was on duty
* the official was off-duty but engaged in police powers or had equipment related to their duties
This ensures accountability regardless of the official’s duty status.
Fill in the blank: The Chief’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) On-Call Designated Authority is a member of the cadre of on-call _________ that acts as the designated authority.
[Toronto Police Service uniform senior officers]
This cadre manages SIU events in the field on behalf of the Chief.
