05-26 Child Abductions

Question 1

What is the first step officers should take upon receiving a missing child complaint?

Answer 1

Treat the disappearance as an abduction until proven otherwise.

Question 2

How is a child abducted by a stranger classified under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act?

Answer 2

As a ‘child in need of protection’.

Question 3

Under what conditions can police officers enter and search premises without a warrant?

Answer 3

When there is substantial risk to the child’s health and safety.

Question 4

What is the main objective of the Toronto Police Service when responding to child abduction incidents?

Answer 4

The safe return of the child.

Question 5

What must be notified upon receiving a complaint of possible abduction of a person under eighteen?

Answer 5

Officer in Charge.

Question 6

List the four abduction-related offences outlined in the Criminal Code.

Answer 6

• s. 280 Abduction of a person under sixteen (Non-Parental)
• s. 281 Abduction of person under fourteen (Non-Parental)
• s. 282 Abduction in Contravention of Custody Order (Parental)
• s. 283 Abduction (Parental)

Question 7

What is critical in the initial investigation of an alleged abduction?

Answer 7

Prompt and detailed gathering of information.

Question 8

When should an AMBER Alert be considered?

Answer 8

In all missing children investigations.

Question 9

What are the guidelines for initiating an AMBER Alert?

Answer 9

• Belief that a child under eighteen has been abducted
• Belief that the child is in danger
• Descriptive information about the child, abductor, or vehicle

Question 10

What does the term ‘Window of Opportunity’ refer to?

Answer 10

The interval between the time the missing person was last seen and the time they were believed to be missing.

Question 11

What should the Divisional Detective ensure upon notification of a possible abduction?

Answer 11

• Compliance with Procedure 04–05
• Immediate family and other relatives are interviewed
• School principal or caregivers are notified and interviewed

Question 12

What is the role of the Officer in Charge during a child abduction case?

Answer 12

Ensure an appropriate uniform and investigative response.

Question 13

True or False: The Chief of Police makes the final decision on whether to initiate an AMBER Alert.

Answer 13

True.

Question 14

What is required for a Major Case Manager to be assigned in a non-parental child abduction case?

Answer 14

Ensure compliance with the Ontario Major Case Management Manual.

Question 15

What does a Custody Order specify?

Answer 15

Who shall have custody or access to a child and under what circumstances.

Question 16

Fill in the blank: The _______ is the national registry created by the RCMP for missing and abducted children.

Answer 16

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Missing Child Registry.

Question 17

What must be done if an AMBER Alert has been initiated and the child is located safe?

Answer 17

Advise the TPOC to cancel the Alert.

Question 18

What is the purpose of the Ontario Major Case Management Manual in child abduction investigations?

Answer 18

To guide investigations involving non-parental abductions.

Question 19

What should be documented in cases of parental child abduction?

Answer 19

An intent to deprive the custodial parent of their rights.

Question 20

What does a Restraining Order entail?

Answer 20

Restrains one parent from having contact with the other parent and/or children.