05-01 Preliminary Homicide Investigation Flashcards
What is the primary responsibility of the Detective Operations – Homicide and Missing Persons Unit?
Lead the investigation of all homicides that occur within the City of Toronto.
This unit also investigates serious bodily harm to police officers and provides support in suspicious death cases.
What manual guides the investigations conducted by the Homicide and Missing Persons Unit?
Ontario Major Case Management Manual (OMCMM).
This manual outlines the procedures and protocols for major case investigations.
When an autopsy is ordered due to an apparent suicide or accident, who performs it if the only witness is an intimate partner?
A Regional Coroner’s pathologist.
The autopsy is conducted as if the death had taken place under suspicious circumstances.
What should officers remain vigilant for in cases of sudden unexpected death?
Possibility of foul play.
Especially when an intimate partner is present at the time of death.
Every sudden unexpected death of a child under what age shall be treated as suspicious?
Eighteen (18) years.
This protocol is critical to ensure proper investigation.
What sub-unit must be notified when investigating a sudden unexpected death of a child under sixteen years?
Child & Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC).
They assist in investigating child abuse cases.
What is the composition of the Pediatric Death Review Committee (PDRC)?
Two sections: PDRC – Child Welfare and PDRC – Medical.
Each section reviews deaths based on different circumstances.
PDRC – Child Welfare must review all cases of deaths involving children who had received services of which organization?
Children’s Aid Society (CAS) or Indigenous child wellbeing society.
This applies within twelve (12) months of the death.
What type of issues does PDRC – Medical review?
Medical diagnosis or provision of care concerns.
This review is done on a discretionary basis.
Under what circumstances must an investigator attend the morgue for identification of the deceased?
- Homicide or suspected homicide
- Inquest likely to be called
- Coroner believes attendance is necessary
- Request by the investigating officer
These protocols ensure proper identification and investigation.
What should be done upon discovering the sudden unexpected death of a child under eighteen?
Treat the death as suspicious.
This includes following specific investigative protocols.
What is the role of the Officer in Charge at a suspicious death scene?
- Ensure divisional detective personnel attend
- Ensure sufficient personnel are dispatched
- Take charge of uniformed police officers
The Officer in Charge ensures a coordinated response to the incident.
What must be completed and forwarded to the Coroner’s Office prior to a post mortem examination?
- Applicable eReports
- Appendix B for confirmed homicide of an infant
These documents are essential for the investigation process.
Who is responsible for ensuring an appropriate uniform response at a suspicious death or possible homicide scene?
Officer in Charge.
They also ensure that necessary investigative responses are initiated.
What is the purpose of the Preliminary Autopsy Findings Report?
To be completed by the Pathologist and forwarded to the investigator.
This report provides initial findings after a post mortem examination.
When investigating the death of an infant less than one year of age, what must be used as a reference?
Appendix B.
This appendix aids in recording at-scene information.
