05-01 Preliminary Homicide Investigation Flashcards
What is the Rationale?
The prompt and appropriate actions of the first officers on scene during the initial stages of suspicious death and homicide investigations will assist in achieving a quick resolution to the investigation and contribute to a successful prosecution.
Supervision
Supervisory Officer mandatory attendance
Divisional Detective mandatory attendance
Officer in Charge mandatory notification
Unit Commander mandatory notification
Procedure -
As set out in their mandate, Detective Operations - Homicide and Missing Persons Unit (Homicide and Missing Persons) SHALL
lead the investigation of all homicides that occur within the City of Toronto;
lead the investigation of all criminal acts which result in serious bodily harm or life threatening injury to a police
officer while on duty;
support field officers with the investigation of suspicious deaths;
lead the investigation of deaths in police custody that are not related to the discharge of a Service firearm; and
provide investigative support to the Coroner in the investigation of deaths in police custody.
Procedure - These investigations will be conducted in accordance with the
Ontario Major Case Management Manual (OMCMM).
Procedure - When an autopsy is ordered as a result of an apparent suicide or accident where the only witness is or has been an intimate partner, past or present, the autopsy will be performed by
a Regional Coroner’s pathologist who currently performs homicide autopsies. The autopsy will be conducted as if the death had taken place under suspicious circumstances.
Procedure - Officers are reminded to remain vigilant for the possibility of foul play in every circumstance where there is
a sudden, unexpected death, and
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.
Sudden Unexpected Death of a Child -
Every sudden unexpected death of a child under eighteen (18) years of age SHALL be treated as ______. Officers are reminded not to reach _______ regarding the cause and manner of death until a thorough investigation has been completed.
suspicious and a member of the On–Call Team – Homicide Squad (On–Call Homicide Team) SHALL be consulted by the attending divisional detective
premature conclusions
Sudden Unexpected Death of a Child - The Child & Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC), a sub-unit of Detective Operations - Sex Crimes, SHALL be notified when investigating a ______. The attending divisional detective SHALL consult with a member of the CYAC prior to _________. CYAC investigators are available from
sudden unexpected death of a child under the age of sixteen (16) in any division City-Wide
leaving the scene and/or conducting formal interviews of caregivers.
0730 to 2200 hours to investigate child abuse cases. An on–call child abuse investigator can be reached after hours through the Toronto Police Operations Centre (TPOC).
Pediatric Death Review Committee (PDRC) -
The PDRC is composed of two sections based on the nature and circumstances of the death:
PDRC – Child Welfare and PDRC – Medical.
Pediatric Death Review Committee (PDRC) - PDRC – Child Welfare must review all cases of deaths involving children and youth when the child, the youth or their family was receiving, or had received, _______. The PDRC – Child Welfare panel includes________ across the province; and is chaired by the _____
the services of a Children’s Aid Society (CAS) or Indigenous child wellbeing society within twelve (12) months of the death
police officers, crown attorneys, senior staff from the Office of the Chief Coroner and representatives from Child Welfare organizations
Regional Chief Coroner for the Province of Ontario.
Pediatric Death Review Committee (PDRC) - PDRC – Medical reviews the deaths of children where issues or concerns pertaining to the _______. These cases are done on a discretionary basis and are referred by the relevant ______. The PDRC – Medical panel includes ________; and is also chaired by the_____
medical diagnosis or provision of care have been identified
Regional Supervising Coroner
pediatric experts, forensic pathologists, senior staff from the Office of the Chief Coroner
Regional Chief Coroner for the province of Ontario.
Identification of the Deceased -
The investigator heading an investigation or a police officer designated by this investigator SHALL attend the morgue and be physically present when a deceased is identified under the following circumstances
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, or
the Coroner believes it is necessary due to the nature of the case, or the condition of the person doing the identification.
First Police Officer -
The first police officer to arrive at the scene of a suspicious death or suspected homicide SHALL be responsible for
offender management, preservation of the evidence and crime scene while awaiting the arrival of an appropriate investigator.
First Police Officer - When assigned to attend the scene of a suspicious death or suspected homicide SHALL
attend promptly.
First Police Officer - Upon arrival at the scene of a suspicious death or suspected homicide SHALL
designate a line of approach to the body that allows for the least contamination possible
take charge of the scene until relieved by a supervisory officer
if the deceased has been removed, note the original position of the body and any items moved to gain access to
the body
request additional assistance, as required
request the attendance of
a supervisory officer
a divisional detective
an investigator from Detective Operations - Forensic Identification Services (FIS)
the Coroner
pending the arrival of a supervisory officer, assign officers to complete necessary tasks
ensure nothing at the scene is touched or used, including the telephones and bathrooms
ensure the communications operator and the Officer in Charge are frequently apprised of all pertinent details
obtain the name, address and telephone number of every person present at the scene or sufficient information,
including descriptions, to assist in locating these persons at a later time
remove all persons to an area away from the immediate scene
encourage all persons present to remain available for questioning
preserve the integrity of evidence of witnesses by ensuring they don’t discuss their observations with each other
ensure only personnel involved in the investigation are permitted to enter the crime scene
comply with Procedure 13–17 by making notations in the memorandum book, including such information as
sketching a diagram of the scene
the position of the body and any weapons
blood stains
items of evidence
room furnishings (indoor scene) or weather conditions (outdoor scene)
physical characteristics of the scene
conversations with witnesses
any other information pertinent to the investigation
conduct a Person Query, including a CPIC check and Canadian Firearms Registry On-line (CFRO) check
First Police Officer - Upon discovering THE FOLLOWING SHALL treat the death as suspicious.
‒ the sudden unexpected death of a child under eighteen (18) years of age
‒ 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 circumstance
First Police Officer - Upon discovering the sudden unexpected death of a child SHALL interview the
caregiver at the time of death, using the questions listed in Appendix A as a guide to the type of information that should be obtained.
First Police Officer - Upon discovering the death of an infant (less than one (1) year of age) SHALL, in addition to item 4,
use Appendix B as a reference to record at–scene information in the memorandum book.
The Investigation Questionnaire for Sudden Unexpected Deaths in Infants in Appendix B was developed by the Office of the Chief Coroner and is completed by the Coroner, except where the death of an infant is a confirmed homicide in which case it will be completed by police.
Information recorded by the first police officer on scene may assist the investigation by ensuring that critical information is captured immediately and not overlooked, lost or forgotten.
First Police Officer - If the suspect is present SHALL
arrest the suspect in compliance with Procedure 01–01
if there are multiple suspects, separate them from each other as soon as practicable
isolate the suspect from witnesses as soon as possible
note all conversation with the suspect in the memorandum book
note the condition of the suspect in the memorandum book, particularly
clothing
marks of violence
manner of speaking, movements and general behaviour
refrain from unauthorized questioning of the suspect
First Police Officer - If the suspect has left the scene SHALL
obtain the type of information contained in Chapter 5, Appendix A to help determine whether REASONABLE GROUNDS
exist to believe there is a threat to safety
obtain and broadcast all relevant information including a description, whether the suspect is armed, and the mode
and direction of travel
select Yes for the BOLO option when completing the suspect Entities page
Records Management Services – Operations will create and post a BOLO.
First Police Officer - When collecting or seizing evidence SHALL
ensure it remains protected and undisturbed until examined by a detective or investigator from FIS
if the evidence must be disturbed, seize it for protection, and mark and note its original location
comply with Procedure 04–21
First Police Officer - Upon completion of the initial investigation SHALL
follow the instructions of the attending Homicide and Missing Persons investigator pertaining to the completion of
the applicable eReports, and any related reports
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 the Homicide and Missing Persons investigator is not attending, follow the instructions of the divisional detective
submit all seized evidence in compliance with Procedure 04–21 and the applicable procedures in Chapter 9
complete the memorandum book notes in compliance with Procedure 13–17
complete the TPS 303 and TPS 466, as applicable
scan and attach the memorandum notes and any hardcopy reports to the original eReport
provide the original eReport number to the
other attending officers who may need to add supplementary information
Officer in Charge
divisional detective
Investigator – FIS
Major Case Manager – Detective Operations - Homicide and Missing Persons
Investigator – CYAC, as applicable
obtain permission from the Major Case Manager/Divisional Detective prior to reporting off duty
Second Police Officer -
The second police officer to arrive at the scene of a suspicious death or suspected homicide SHALL be responsible for
preserving the crime scene, if necessary, and noting any pertinent details in their memorandum book.
Second Police Officer - Upon arrival at the scene of a suspicious death or suspected homicide SHALL
in the absence of a supervisory officer take direction from the first police officer
take up a position at the entrance to the scene
record the names of all personnel attending, and the times they enter or leave, using a TPS 243 whenever possible
or, if not available, the memorandum book
Second Police Officer - Upon completion of the initial investigation SHALL
complete the memorandum book notes in compliance with Procedure 13–17
add supplementary information to the original eReport, if applicable
scan and attach the memorandum notes and any hardcopy reports to the original eReport
obtain permission from the Major Case Manager/Divisional Detective prior to reporting off duty
Additional Police Officers -
Police officers involved in all stages of a suspicious death or homicide investigation SHALL ensure that the crime scene and all evidence are
protected from disturbance or contamination.
Additional Police Officers - Upon arrival at the scene of a suspicious death or suspected homicide SHALL
in the absence of a supervisory officer take direction from the first police officer
perform duties as assigned by the first police officer or supervisory officer, including but not limited to
guarding the scene
accompanying the body to the morgue, or hospital, if removed
searching the area for suspects, weapons or other evidence
canvassing the neighbourhood for information
Additional Police Officers - When collecting or seizing evidence SHALL comply with item 8.
ensure it remains protected and undisturbed until examined by a detective or investigator from FIS
if the evidence must be disturbed, seize it for protection, and mark and note its original location
comply with Procedure 04–21
Additional Police Officers - When performing a door–to–door canvass SHALL
carry a sufficient quantity of the TPS 233 and TPS 234
complete a TPS 233 for every premises attended
leave a TPS 234 at every residence where there is no answer
Additional Police Officers - When assigned to notify the next of kin SHALL comply with
Procedure 04–02.
Additional Police Officers - Upon completion of the initial investigation SHALL comply with item 11.
complete the memorandum book notes in compliance with Procedure 13–17
add supplementary information to the original eReport, if applicable
scan and attach the memorandum notes and any hardcopy reports to the original eReport
obtain permission from the Major Case Manager/Divisional Detective prior to reporting off duty
Additional Police Officers - Upon completion of the initial investigation SHALL comply with item 11.
complete the memorandum book notes in compliance with Procedure 13–17
add supplementary information to the original eReport, if applicable
scan and attach the memorandum notes and any hardcopy reports to the original eReport
obtain permission from the Major Case Manager/Divisional Detective prior to reporting off duty
Supervisory Officer -
The first supervisory officer to arrive at the scene of a suspicious death or suspected homicide SHALL be responsible for the
quality and thoroughness of the uniform response.
Supervisory Officer - When advised of a suspicious death or suspected homicide SHALL
attend the scene promptly
ensure sufficient personnel are dispatched to the scene
take charge of all uniformed police officers
provide assistance and direction to the police officers at the scene
ensure the attendance of
a divisional detective
the Coroner
an investigator from FIS
A Scenes of Crime Officer (SOCO) SHALL not be deployed to examine any scene where there is a sudden unexpected death of a child or where the death of any person is of a suspicious nature or a suspected homicide.
notify the Officer in Charge
ensure a member of the On–Call Homicide Team is notified
ensure only essential personnel are allowed to enter/remain at the scene
ensure the communications operator and the Officer in Charge are frequently apprised of all pertinent details
ensure a police officer accompanies the deceased to the hospital or morgue
ensure the TPS 243 is used by officers assigned to guard the entry to the scene
ensure personnel are detailed to
search the area for suspects, weapons or other evidence
commence a systematic, door–to–door canvass at the earliest opportunity
ensure the results of all searches and canvassing are submitted to the Major Case Manager/Divisional Detective
complete and submit a TPS 466, along with the eReport number to the Major Case Manager/Divisional Detective
prior to reporting off duty
scan and attach the memorandum notes and any hardcopy reports to the original eReport
Supervisory Officer - When advised of the sudden unexpected death of a child under eighteen (18) years of age SHALL
treat the death as suspicious
if the child is under sixteen (16) years of age, ensure the CYAC is notified
Supervisory Officer -When assigning members to perform a door–to–door canvass SHALL ensure
members are
briefed and properly instructed
given a sufficient quantity of the TPS 233 and the TPS 234
assigned to a specific area/address
compliance with item 14
ensure the results are submitted to the Major Case Manager/Divisional Detective
Detective – Division -
The divisional detective SHALL be responsible for ensuring
effective management of the crime scene and that the appropriate notifications are made.
Detective – Division - Upon being notified of a suspicious death or suspected homicide SHALL
attend the scene promptly
advise the communication operator upon arrival
take charge of the scene investigation until relieved by the attending Detective Operations - Homicide and Missing
Persons or FIS investigator
consult with a member of the On–Call Homicide Team prior to leaving the scene
The On–Call Homicide officer will determine whether a Homicide and Missing Persons investigator SHALL attend the scene.
ensure a police officer accompanies the deceased to the hospital or morgue
ensure the Officer in Charge is notified
follow the instructions of the attending Homicide and Missing Persons investigator as it pertains to the completion
of the applicable eReports
add supplementary information to the original eReport
complete the memorandum book, TPS 303 and TPS 466, as applicable
scan and attach the memorandum notes and any hardcopy reports to the original eReport
Detective – Division - If a Homicide and Missing Persons investigator is not attending the scene SHALL
lead the overall investigation
consult with the Coroner prior to leaving the scene
Detective – Division - When investigating the sudden unexpected death of a child under eighteen (18) years of age SHALL
treat the death as suspicious
interview the caregiver at the time of death, using the questions listed in Appendix A as a guide to the type of
information that should be obtained
consult with a member of the On–Call Homicide Team and the Coroner prior to leaving the scene
if the child is under sixteen (16) years of age, consult with a CYAC investigator prior to leaving the scene and/or
conducting formal interviews of caregivers
ensure the following reports are completed and forwarded to the Coroner’s Office prior to the post mortem
examination
applicable eReports
The Initial Officer Report is automatically e-transferred to the Office of the Chief Coroner. Any requests from the OCC for additional information must be made and approved for release by Homicide and Missing Persons.
Following the post mortem examination, a Preliminary Autopsy Findings Report will be completed by the Pathologist and forwarded to the investigator.
scan and attach the memorandum notes and any hardcopy reports to the original eReport
Detective – Division - When investigating the death of an infant (less than one (1) year of age) SHALL, in addition to item 22,
use Appendix B, as applicable, as a reference to record at–scene information in the memorandum book
complete Appendix B if the death of an infant is a confirmed homicide forward to the Coroner’s Office prior to the post mortem examination
The Investigation Questionnaire for Sudden Unexpected Deaths in Infants in Appendix B was developed by the Office of the Chief Coroner and is completed by the Coroner, except where the death of an infant is a confirmed homicide in which case it will be completed by police.
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.
Officer in Charge - Upon being notified of a suspicious death or possible homicide SHALL
ensure divisional detective personnel attend the scene
seek the assistance of other divisions to provide response to calls for service, if required
ensure Detective Operations - Homicide and Missing Persons and FIS are notified
ensure the CYAC is notified of a sudden unexpected death of a child under sixteen (16)
notify the
Unit Commander, if on duty
the Officer in Charge – TPOC
ensure all officers assigned to duties related to the homicide
complete their memorandum book and a TPS 466
scan and attach their memorandum notes and hardcopy reports to the original eReport prior to reporting off duty
ensure the following reports are completed, as applicable, and forwarded to the Coroner’s Office prior to the post mortem examination
applicable eReports
Appendix B (for confirmed homicide of an infant)
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 the Homicide and Missing Persons Unit.
Investigator – Detective Operations - Forensic Identification Services - The FIS investigator SHALL
take charge of the scene in the absence of a Homicide and Missing Persons investigator.
Investigator – Detective Operations - Forensic Identification Services - Upon arrival at the scene of a suspicious death or suspected homicide, in addition to complying with unit specific guidelines, SHALL
co–ordinate the collection of evidence in consultation with the attending homicide squad investigator, divisional detective, and/or Coroner/Forensic Pathologist as applicable.
Investigator – Detective Operations - Forensic Identification Services - When investigating the sudden unexpected death of a child under eighteen (18) years of age SHALL
attend the scene and autopsy
complete photographs/video as required by the attending investigator and/or Coroner/Forensic Pathologist
coordinate the initial submission to the Centre of Forensic Sciences (CFS), as required
Investigator – Detective Operations - Homicide and Missing Persons - The Homicide and Missing Persons investigator SHALL
be responsible for ensuring the thoroughness of the investigation.
Investigator – Detective Operations - Homicide and Missing Persons - When notified of a suspicious death or suspected homicide SHALL
consult with the divisional detective at the scene
gather sufficient information to determine whether the attendance of a Homicide and Missing Persons investigator is required
advise the officer of the determination
provide the necessary support and guidance
Major Case Management – Detective Operations - Homicide and Missing Persons
An officer from Detective Operations - Homicide and Missing Persons SHALL be designated the
Major Case Manager to undertake the functions and responsibilities directed by the OMCMM.
Major Case Management – Detective Operations - Homicide and Missing Persons - Upon arrival at the scene of a suspicious death or suspected homicide, in addition to complying with unit–specific guidelines SHALL
take charge of the investigation and comply with the OMCMM
designate a Primary Investigator, if necessary
confer with the attending Coroner at the scene
ensure next of kin are notified, in compliance with Procedure 04–02
Unless deemed inappropriate, notification SHALL be made by the investigating officer from the Homicide Squad. When it is necessary for a divisional officer to do so, notification of next of kin should be made by a supervisory officer in lieu of a constable, when possible.
ensure identification of the deceased person is properly made
ensure an BOLO is generated in compliance with Procedure 17–07
ensure a copy of all pertinent reports are e-transferred to the Office of the Chief Coroner
determine whether any of the individuals involved in the occurrence own, possess or have access to a firearm, ammunition, weapons, firearms certificate, registration certificate, permit, licence or authorization and comply with Procedure 05–21
consider and exercise all powers of search and seizure, with and without warrant, relating to weapons, firearms, ammunition, explosives and the related licences, certificates or permits
The search and seizure provisions contained in S. 117 of the Criminal Code must be carefully considered in all cases. Officer and public safety is 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.
notify Organized Crime Enforcement – Integrated Gun & Gang Task Force when firearms are or may be a factor
consider contacting all persons known to police who may provide the suspect access to firearms or related
licences, certificates or permits
consider applying for a prohibition order or seeking a revocation where there are REASONABLE GROUNDS to BELIEVE it is not desirable in the interests of safety for the suspect to possess weapons
ensure the applicable eReports and all other pertinent information is forwarded to the Coroner’s Office prior to the post mortem examination
Major Case Management – Detective Operations - Homicide and Missing Persons - When investigating the sudden unexpected death of a child under eighteen (18) years of age SHALL
treat the death as suspicious
ensure the caregiver at the time of death is interviewed, using the questions listed in Appendix A as a guide to the type of information that should be obtained
if the child is under sixteen (16) years of age, ensure the CYAC is consulted prior to leaving the scene and/or
conducting formal interviews of caregivers
ensure the Children’s Aid Society is notified regarding the investigation and information is shared pursuant to the Addendum: Children’s Aid Society and Police Protocols – Investigations of Suspicious Child Deaths developed by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services (MCYS) and the Office of the Chief Coroner
check the background of caregivers with relevant agencies (e.g. Children’s Aid Society)
in co–operation with the Children’s Aid Society, ensure an assessment of the risk to other children is completed
in all cases where foul play is suspected
Decisions regarding the safe placement of surviving siblings or other children who may be at risk are time sensitive. Collaborative information sharing facilitates timely decisions that will safeguard children who may potentially be at risk, while preserving the integrity of the criminal investigation.
ensure an investigator from FIS attends and photographs/videotapes the scene, as required, and photographs the autopsy
ensure the following reports are completed, as applicable, and forwarded to the Coroner’s Office prior to the post mortem examination
applicable eReports
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.
Following the post mortem examination, a Preliminary Autopsy Findings Report will be completed by the Pathologist and forwarded to the investigator.
Major Case Management – Detective Operations - Homicide and Missing Persons - When investigating the death of an infant (less than one (1) year of age) SHALL, in addition to item 29,
use Appendix B as a reference to record at–scene information in the memorandum book
ensure Appendix B is completed when the death of an infant is a confirmed homicide and forwarded to the
Coroner’s Office prior to the post mortem examination
The Investigation Questionnaire for Sudden Unexpected Deaths in Infants in Appendix B was developed by the Office of the Chief Coroner and is completed by the Coroner, except where the death of an infant is a confirmed homicide in which case it will be completed by police.
Major Case Management – Detective Operations - Homicide and Missing Persons - When preparing for an investigative canvass SHALL
ensure the applicable sections of the TPS 233 are completed.
Officer in Charge – Toronto Police Operations Centre (TPOC) - In addition to unit–specific requirements, the Officer in Charge – TPOC is responsible for ensuring that
Detective Operations - Homicide and Missing Persons and Victim Services Toronto have been notified.
Officer in Charge – Toronto Police Operations Centre (TPOC) - Upon being notified of a suspicious death or possible homicide SHALL ensure
Detective Operations - Homicide and Missing Persons has been notified, or during non–office hours, notify the
On Call Homicide Team
the CYAC has been notified of a sudden unexpected death of a child under sixteen (16) years of age
Victim Services Toronto has been notified, or during non–office hours, notify the On–Call Victim Services
personnel
Definitions - Child
means a person younger than eighteen (18).
[Source: Child, Youth and Family Services Act, ss. 2(1)].
Definitions - Homicide Investigation
means an investigation led by Detective Operations - into the circumstances surrounding a sudden death where there is
obvious or suspected foul play
the cause of death cannot be explained
found human remains
any other suspicious circumstance.
Definitions - Infant
means a child less than one (1) year of age.
Definitions - Intimate Partner
means a partner from a current or former intimate relationship.
Definitions - Intimate Relationship
includes current or former relationships between opposite sex and same sex partners and include persons who:
are legally married to one another;
were previously married to one another;
are not married, but are currently in a family–type relationship;
are not married, but were formerly in a family–type relationship;
have a child in common regardless of whether such persons have been married or lived together at one
time, or;
are (or have ever been) involved in a dating relationship.
Definitions - Primary Investigator
means the investigator assigned by the Major Case Manager in every threshold major case investigation to perform the functions and responsibilities of the primary investigation function. The Primary Investigator SHALL have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the function; SHALL have successfully completed the Ontario Major Case Management Course or equivalent, as defined by the Ontario Police College.
Definitions - Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
means the sudden death of an infant under one (1) year of age, which remains unexplained after a thorough investigation which must include a complete autopsy, examination of the death scene, a police investigation and a review of the child’s clinical history.
Definitions - Sudden Unexplained Death
means the death investigation of a child due to
SID
accidental injury
non–accidental injury due to neglect or abuse, or
a previously undiagnosed natural disease process
and may include
negative autopsy but evidence of an old healed fracture which has not been adequately explained by the investigation
negative autopsy but a previous history of child abuse
negative autopsy but some positive toxicology, which although not considered to be a cause of death
cannot be explained (e.g. blood alcohol of 30mg in a five month old child)
Where there is significant concern regarding any part of the death investigation, the cause of death should be classified as a Sudden Unexplained Death.
