08-04 Appendix B – Guidelines for the Support and Assistance of Affected Members for Use by Unit Commanders and Critical Incident Response Team

Question 1

What is the Rationale?

Answer 1

The following guidelines have been developed to assist the Unit Commander in consultation with the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT)/Peer Support Volunteers (PSVs), Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) Liaison/CIRT Coordinator to provide appropriate support.

Question 2

Considerations - The Officer in Charge, supervisor, EFAP Liaison/CIRT Coordinator, CIRT/PSV and/or the Toronto Police Operations Centre (TPOC), as required, should consult with the unit commander of the affected unit as early as possible on the best course of action.
Consideration should be given to addressing the following areas, as required:

Answer 2

 scheduling of the mandatory defusing and debriefing sessions for involved members
 personal safety issues
 communication between family and the Service
 transportation of immediate and extended family
 spouse’s needs
 child care
 financial needs
 home maintenance
 pet care
 assistance from the Senior Officers Organization and Toronto Police Association

Question 3

Family Notification and Liaison - A person who is close to the affected member (i.e. partner, immediate supervisor, etc.) should conduct the ________. This is subject to logistics and exigencies of the situation and upon approval by the unit commander or designate.

Answer 3

initial notification of the affected member’s family

Question 4

Family Notification and Liaison - Provide accurate information to the family. It is imperative that the notifying member have the most

Answer 4

accurate and up– to–date information, and be in contact with the hospital and the member’s home unit until the last minute before notification is made.

Question 5

Family Notification and Liaison - Consider designating one (1) person as the information contact at the scene/hospital to provide _______, the Officer in Charge at the home unit and the TPOC, and to liaise with Communications Services.

Answer 5

up-to–date information to the notification member

Question 6

Family Notification and Liaison - Arrange for ______ for the designated family liaison, the notification member and the information contact at the scene/hospital, if necessary.

Answer 6

cellular telephones

Question 7

Family Notification and Liaison - The Chief of Police should contact the family only after the

Answer 7

initial notification has been completed.

Question 8

Family Notification and Liaison - One (1) member from the affected member’s unit should be dedicated to liaise with the family for the _______. This person should have a cellular telephone and be on _______. Additionally, a back–up person should be designated to assist, as required.

Answer 8

initial critical period

twenty four (24) hour call with the family to provide assistance and support as required

Question 9

Family Notification and Liaison - The unit liaison should meet with the family and determine the immediate needs. Further meetings can take place as required. The liaison may consult with _____ as necessary.

Answer 9

Psychological Services and/or the EFAP Liaison/CIRT Coordinator

Address any safety concerns of the family.

Question 10

Transportation - Whenever possible, ______ should be used to transport family members.

Answer 10

unmarked vehicles

Question 11

Transportation - In exigent circumstances, may seek the assistance of ______. This request should include a detailed briefing on the circumstances of the incident.

Answer 11

other police agencies to transport family members

Question 12

Transportation - Consideration may be given to transportation of the

Answer 12

extended family, if required.

Question 13

Hospital Access - Ensure a quiet private location is provided for the initial meeting between the

Answer 13

affected member and family.

Question 14

Hospital Access - Ensure the number of police officers and members of the public permitted access to the member is

Answer 14

controlled and kept to a minimum.

Question 15

Hospital Access - Ensure liaison is maintained with the media at the hospital but access to the facility by the media is _____. Contact ______.

Answer 15

controlled

Corporate Communications through the TPOC for assistance

Question 16

Media and Release of Information - Corporate Communications should be immediately requested to

Answer 16

handle all media inquiries. All calls for information received at the unit should be referred to Corporate Communications.

Question 17

Media and Release of Information - No information of a personal nature SHALL be released without the _____. A member’s telephone number and home address, including the name of the city, town or community SHALL

Answer 17

consent of the affected member or family

never be disclosed, unless requested by the affected member.

Question 18

Media and Release of Information - Efforts should be made to

Answer 18

shield the family from media attention, wherever possible.

Question 19

Other Members - Ensure accurate and timely information is disseminated to those _____. This matter should be handled in consultation with the ______to ensure that any on–going investigation is not jeopardized.

Answer 19

directly involved in the incident

officer in charge of the scene

Question 20

Other Members - Relieve the members of the _____ from duty as soon as practicable. This effort should be co–ordinated with the _____ of the scene.

Answer 20

platoon/squad (including civilian staff and management)

Officer in Charge

Question 21

Other Members - If necessary, seek the assistance of ______to maintain divisional operations when the platoon is relieved.

Answer 21

neighbouring divisions and other units

Question 22

Other Members - Involved members of Communications Services (dispatcher and call taker) should be

Answer 22

relieved of their duties as soon as practicable.

Question 23

Other Members - Members (including Communications Services personnel) who have been relieved of duty should be

Answer 23

directed to report to a designated location to permit the process of defusing to begin.

Question 24

Other Members - If necessary, consider seeking the assistance of _____ to maintain divisional operations while the affected members engage in both _____ of the incident as soon as it is scheduled.

Answer 24

neighbouring divisions or other units

defusing and debriefing

Question 25

Other Members - When the platoon is scheduled to go on days off the next day, consider returning the members for a ______. This also permits members to be_____concerning developments. _____ can be contacted for guidance, if required.

Answer 25

debriefing in a timely manner

updated personally

Psychological Services

Question 26

Other Members - Any member may self–identify as a victim of critical incident stress. Refer such member to the

Answer 26

EFAP Liaison/CIRT Coordinator or CIRT/Peer Support Volunteer for support/assistance.

Question 27

General - Ensure that unit supervisors and unit administration staff co–ordinate the completion of paperwork related to ______ on behalf of the affected member to minimize trauma and stress to the member and family.

Answer 27

WSIB, criminal injuries, injured on duty (IOD), benefits, etc.,

Question 28

General - All supervisors should be directed to monitor the _____ in all sections of the unit and take appropriate action.

Answer 28

emotional well–being of members

Question 29

General - If appropriate, ensure that all _____from the home unit as soon as possible.

Answer 29

evidence of the traumatic critical incident is removed

Question 30

General - Consider requesting a _____ for expenses related to the incident.

Answer 30

special budget project number

Question 31

General - Contact the _____ for any assistance deemed appropriate and necessary.

Answer 31

Senior Officers Organization and/or Toronto Police Association