05-34 Serious Assault

Question 1

What is the Rationale?

Answer 1

The purpose of this procedure is to provide members with direction regarding the processes for undertaking and managing aggravated assaults and attempted homicide investigations, in accordance with Section LE-039 of the Policing Standards Manual.

Question 2

Supervision

Answer 2

 Supervisory Officer mandatory attendance
 Divisional Detective mandatory attendance
 OCE Detective or Investigator mandatory notification where shooting has occurred
 Officer in Charge mandatory notification

Question 3

Procedure -
As set out in their mandate, Divisional Detectives SHALL lead the investigation of all aggravated assaults and attempted homicides that occur within the City of Toronto with the exception:

Answer 3

 of shootings, where Organized Crime Enforcement (OCE) shall lead; and
 when the victim is under the age of sixteen (16) and the suspect is a caregiver, parent or a person in a position of
trust or authority where an investigator from the Child and Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC) shall lead Investigations, where a charge of attempted murder is appropriate will be conducted in accordance with the Ontario Major Case Management Manual (OMCMM).

Question 4

First Police Officer -
The first police officer to arrive at the scene of an aggravated assault and/or attempted homicide SHALL be responsible for the

Answer 4

safety and wellbeing of the victim, offender management as well as preservation of the evidence and crime scene while awaiting the arrival of an appropriate investigator.

Question 5

First Police Officer - Upon arrival at the scene of an aggravated assault and/or attempt homicide SHALL

Answer 5

 provide assistance to the victim
- if the victim is under the age of sixteen (16) years comply with Procedure 05-06
- offer the assistance of Victim Services Toronto in compliance with Procedure 04-31
 advise the communications operator of relevant information for broadcast such as the description of the suspect
(if available), direction of travel and any other relevant information
 take charge of the scene until relieved by a supervisory officer
 request additional assistance, as required
 request the attendance of
 a supervisory officer
 a divisional detective
 a detective/investigator from OCE, if a shooting has occurred
 an investigator from CYAC, if the victim is under the age of sixteen (16) and the suspect is a caregiver,
parent or a person in a position of trust or authority
 an investigator from Detective Operations – Forensic Identification Services (FIS)
 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
 under the direction of FIS, collect and preserve all physical evidence in compliance with Procedures 04-21 and
09-01
 ensure the communications operator and the Officer in Charge are frequently apprised of all pertinent details
 obtain the name, address, email address, other means of contact and telephone number(s) 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
 do not offer anonymity to witnesses
 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
 any weapons
 the location and position of the victim where medical intervention was being conducted
 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

Question 6

First Police Officer - If the suspect is present SHALL

Answer 6

 where REASONABLE GROUNDS exist, 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
 isolate the suspect from the victim as soon as possible
 avoid cross-contamination of potential evidence by limiting contact to either the suspect or victim wherever possible
 this should be observed specifically when trace evidence may be collected
 note all conversation with the suspect in the memorandum book
 note the condition of the suspect in the memorandum book, particularly
 clothing
 injuries
 manner of speaking, movements and general behaviour
 refrain from unauthorized questioning of the suspect
 conduct a Person Query, including a CPIC check and Canadian Firearms Registry On-line (CFRO) check

Question 7

First Police Officer - If the suspect has left the scene SHALL

Answer 7

 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.

Question 8

First Police Officer - When collecting or seizing evidence SHALL

Answer 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

Question 9

First Police Officer - Upon completion of the initial investigation SHALL

Answer 9

 follow the instructions of the attending detective pertaining to the completion of the applicable eReports and any related reports
 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 or OCE detective/investigator where a victim(s) has been shot or shots have been
discharged
 investigator – FIS
 Major Case Manager - Divisional Detective in the event that an attempted murder investigation is launched (in the case of a shooting where a victim has been wounded or shots have been fired, an OCE detective/investigator SHALL be assigned)
 investigator – CYAC, as applicable
 obtain permission from the Major Case Manager/Divisional Detective prior to reporting off duty

Question 10

First Police Officer - Upon completion of the initial investigation SHALL

Answer 10

 follow the instructions of the attending detective pertaining to the completion of the applicable eReports and any related reports
 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 or OCE detective/investigator where a victim(s) has been shot or shots have been
discharged
 investigator – FIS
 Major Case Manager - Divisional Detective in the event that an attempted murder investigation is launched (in the case of a shooting where a victim has been wounded or shots have been fired, an OCE detective/investigator SHALL be assigned)
 investigator – CYAC, as applicable
 obtain permission from the Major Case Manager/Divisional Detective prior to reporting off duty

Question 11

Second Police Officer -
The second police officer to arrive at the scene of an aggravated assault and/or attempted homicide SHALL be responsible for

Answer 11

preserving the crime scene, if necessary, and noting any pertinent details in their memorandum book.

Question 12

Second Police Officer - Upon arrival at the scene of an aggravated assault and/or an attempted homicide SHALL

Answer 12

 in the absence of a supervisory officer take direction from the first police officer
 take up a position at the entrance to secure 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

Question 13

Second Police Officer - Upon completion of the initial investigation SHALL

Answer 13

 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 or OCE detective/ investigator prior to
reporting off duty

Question 14

Additional Police Officers -
Police officers involved in all stages of an aggravated assault and/or attempted homicide investigation SHALL ensure that the crime scene and all evidence are

Answer 14

protected from disturbance or contamination.

Question 15

Additional Police Officers - Upon arrival at the scene of an aggravated assault and/or attempted homicide SHALL

Answer 15

 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 and preserving the scene and any evidence as required
 searching the area for suspects, weapons or other evidence
 canvassing the neighbourhood for information
 Do no offer anonymity to witnesses

Question 16

Additional Police Officers - When collecting or seizing evidence SHALL comply with item 4.

Answer 16

 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

Question 17

Additional Police Officers - When performing a door–to–door canvass SHALL

Answer 17

 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

Question 18

Additional Police Officers - Upon completion of the initial investigation SHALL comply with item 7.

Answer 18

 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 or OCE detective/ investigator prior to
reporting off duty

Question 19

Supervisory Officer -
The first supervisory officer to arrive at the scene of an aggravated assault and/or attempted homicide SHALL be responsible for the

Answer 19

quality and thoroughness of the uniform response.

Question 20

Supervisory Officer - When advised of an aggravated assault and/or attempted homicide SHALL

Answer 20

 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 and where a shooting has occurred where no injuries are sustained or a victim(s) has been wounded, contact the OCE to ensure attendance of a detective or an investigator to take control of the investigation
 an investigator from CYAC if the victim is under the age of sixteen (16) and the suspect is a caregiver, parent or a person in a position of trust or authority
 an investigator from FIS
 A Scenes of Crime Officer (SOCO) SHALL not be deployed to examine any scene of an aggravated assault and/or an attempted homicide without consulting with FIS
 notify the Officer in Charge
 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 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
 ensure that officers involved in the investigation are mindful of cross-contamination between suspect(s),
witness(es) and victim(s)
 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

Question 21

Supervisory Officer - When assigning members to perform a door–to–door canvass SHALL ensure

Answer 21

 members are
 briefed and properly instructed
 given a sufficient quantity of the TPS 233 and the TPS 234
 assigned to a specific area/address
 directed that witnesses are not to be offered anonymity and this is recorded in notes
 compliance with item 10
 the results are submitted to the Major Case Manager/Divisional Detective/OCE Detective or Investigator where
applicable

Question 22

Detective – Division
The divisional detective or MCU detective SHALL be responsible for ensuring

Answer 22

effective management of the crime scene and that the appropriate notifications are made whether or not the victim(s) has/have been struck by gunfire. The notification of an detective/ investigator from the OCE is based on the discharge of a firearm with the intent to wound a person(s).

Question 23

Detective – Division - Upon being notified of an aggravated assault and/or attempted homicide SHALL

Answer 23

 attend the scene promptly
 advise the communication operator upon arrival
 ensure the Officer in Charge is notified
 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

Question 24

Detective – Division - If an OCE detective/investigator is not attending the scene SHALL lead the overall investigation

Answer 24

 scan and attach the memorandum notes and any hardcopy reports to the original eReport

Question 25

Officer in Charge -
The Officer in Charge is responsible for ensuring an appropriate

Answer 25

uniform response, and in the absence of the detective sergeant, an appropriate investigative response.

Question 26

Officer in Charge - Upon being notified of an aggravated assault and/or attempted homicide SHALL

Answer 26

 ensure divisional detective personnel attend the scene
 ensure an OCE detective/investigator attends the scene where a person has been wounded by gunfire or a firearm
has been discharged at a person(s)
 seek the assistance of other divisions to provide response to calls for service, if required
 ensure FIS is notified
 ensure the CYAC is notified of an aggravated assault and/or attempt homicide 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 aggravated assault and/or attempt 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 applicable eReports are completed, as applicable

Question 27

Investigator – Detective Operations – Forensic Identification Services - The FIS investigator SHALL

Answer 27

take charge of the scene in the absence of a divisional detective or an OCE detective/investigator.

Question 28

Investigator – Detective Operations – Forensic Identification Services - Upon arrival at the scene of aggravated assault and/or an attempted homicide, in addition to complying with unit specific guidelines, SHALL

Answer 28

co–ordinate the collection of evidence in consultation with the attending OCE detective/investigator, or divisional detective.

Question 29

Investigator – Detective Operations – Homicide
The Homicide investigator SHALL be responsible for ensuring the

Answer 29

thoroughness of an investigation where death may be imminent based on consultation with a physician.

Question 30

Investigator – Detective Operations – Homicide - When notified of an attempted homicide where the injuries are such that death is likely and where consultation with a medical physician has taken place SHALL

Answer 30

 consult with either the divisional detective, OCE detective/investigator or CYAC investigator at the scene
 gather sufficient information to determine whether the attendance of a Homicide investigator is required and
advise the above officer of the determination
 provide the necessary support and guidance

Question 31

Major Case Management – Divisional Detective or OCE Detective/Investigator or CYAC Investigator -
An officer who is a Divisional/MCU/OCE/CYAC investigator or a member holding the rank of Detective Sergeant where appropriate SHALL

Answer 31

be designated as the Major Case Manager to undertake the functions and responsibilities as directed by the OMCMM.

Question 32

Major Case Management – Divisional Detective or OCE Detective/Investigator or CYAC Investigator - Upon notification and/or arrival at the scene of an attempted homicide, in addition to complying with unit–specific guidelines SHALL

Answer 32

 take charge of the investigation and comply with the OMCMM
 designate a Primary Investigator, if necessary
 ensure an BOLO is generated in compliance with Procedure 17-07
 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 if necessary, 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 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

Question 33

Major Case Management – Divisional Detective or OCE Detective/Investigator or CYAC Investigator - 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 and

Answer 33

 Decisions regarding the safe placement of 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,
 ensure the applicable reports and eReports are completed.

Question 34

Major Case Management – Divisional Detective or OCE Detective/Investigator or CYAC Investigator - When preparing for an investigative canvass SHALL

Answer 34

ensure the applicable sections of the TPS 233 are completed.

Question 35

Officer in Charge – Toronto Police Operations Centre -
In addition to unit–specific requirements, the Officer in Charge – TPOC is responsible for ensuring that a

Answer 35

divisional detective or an OCE detective/investigator or CYAC investigator and Victim Services Toronto have been notified.

Question 36

Officer in Charge – Toronto Police Operations Centre - Upon being notified of an aggravated assault and/or attempted homicide SHALL ensure

Answer 36

 a divisional detective or an OCE detective/investigator or CYAC investigator have been notified
 Victim Services Toronto has been notified, or during non–office hours, notify the On–Call Victim Services personnel

Question 37

Definitions - Aggravated Assault

Answer 37

every one commits an aggravated assault who wounds, maims, disfigures or endangers the life of the complainant. [Source: Criminal Code S.268(1)]

Question 38

Definitions - Attempt Homicide/Attempt to Commit Murder

Answer 38

every person who attempts by any means to commit murder is guilty of an indictable offence and liable
(a) in any other case, to imprisonment for life. [Source: Criminal Code S.239]