08-04 Members Involved in a Traumatic Critical Incident

Question 1

What is the Rationale?

Answer 1

The Toronto Police Service (Service) is committed to ensuring that members involved in traumatic critical incidents are given appropriate and sufficient support both at the onset and conclusion of a traumatic critical incident. The Service traumatic critical incident support process includes defusing and debriefing sessions and, where required, the opportunity for professional assistance in dealing with critical incident stress. In addition, for officer–involved shooting incidents there are post incident firearms exposure sessions.

Question 2

Supervision

Answer 2

 Supervisory Officer notification mandatory
 when involved in a traumatic critical incident
 upon becoming aware that another member has been involved in a traumatic critical incident, or is showing
signs and symptoms of critical incident stress
 firearm discharge (officer involved shooting)

Question 3

Procedure - In the normal course of their duties, members are involved in events that meet the definition of ______. Serious traffic collisions and sudden deaths are two examples of such routine events. More catastrophic events occur less frequently and may ____

Answer 3

“traumatic critical incident”

increase the potential for members to experience symptoms of critical incident stress.

Question 4

Procedure - Keeping in mind that any event has potential to interfere with a member’s ability to function professionally or personally; _____must assess each traumatic critical incident to determine the appropriate level of support for members involved. The determination of whether or not the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) / Peer Support Volunteer (PSV) is immediately contacted will be dependent on the assessment by _____. However, the CIRT/PSV must be contacted in all instances in which the member has _____. Additionally, supervisors, officers in charge and unit commanders MUST ensure an_____ is completed for all members involved in an event and submitted in compliance with Procedure 08–03.

Answer 4

supervisors, officers in charge and unit commanders

the officer in charge in consultation with the Toronto Police Operations Centre (TPOC)

requested immediate support

Injured on Duty Online Report

Question 5

Procedure - Factors that may impact the assessment include, but are not limited to the

Answer 5

 nature of the event
 member’s Service experience
 member’s life experience
 member’s involvement in previous traumatic critical incidents, and
 member’s behaviour.

Question 6

Procedure - In determining whether an event should be reported as a “Traumatic Critical Incident”, the decision should be based on _____ rather than on the reactions, or lack of reactions of the involved individuals. In making such a determination, members MUST consult with the ______

Answer 6

the nature and circumstances of the event

officer in charge and/or the TPOC.

Question 7

Procedure - A member suffering from critical incident stress may display a wide variety of symptoms. It is the responsibility of

Answer 7

all members to assist and support each other in this regard.

Question 8

Critical Incident Response Team -
The CIRT was established to assist members and their families to cope after becoming involved in a traumatic critical incident. CIRT/PSVs are

Answer 8

Service members who are trained in trauma response measures.

Question 9

Critical Incident Response Team - All Service members may apply to become a PSV of the CIRT. After the required screening and training, PSVs will be qualified to respond to ____. Interested members can contact the_____ for further information.

Answer 9

traumatic critical incidents

Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) Liaison/CIRT Coordinator

Question 10

Traumatic Critical Incident Mitigation Process - DIAGRAM

Answer 10

Immediately after Traumatic Critical Incident - Defusing Session - Can be led by two (2) CIRT/PSVs, EFAP provider or Service Psychologist

——->

After Traumatic Critical Incident -Debriefing Session - Led by EFAP provider and/or Service Psychologist

——>

Follow-up - Referral - If required

Question 11

Traumatic Critical Incident Mitigation Process - The on–call CIRT/PSV works together with the affected unit to initiate _____. In consultation with the officer in charge, unit commander and/or the TPOC, the ______ determines which, if any, of these sessions are required. If the on-call ______, attendance is mandatory but active participation in the discussion is voluntary.

Answer 11

peer support defusing sessions

Service Psychologist (if applicable), and the EFAP provider’s CIRT, the CIRT/PSV

CIRT/PSV or the Service Psychologist determines any sessions are required

Question 12

Traumatic Critical Incident Mitigation Process -  Members may be referred to a qualified medical practitioner for continued professional assistance. When it is determined, within the established guidelines, that a member requires professional assistance, the cost of such services is borne by the

Answer 12

employer as a Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB) claim.

Question 13

Post Incident Firearms Exposure Session -
It is recognized that on occasion officers may discharge their firearm in the line of duty. The impact of these traumatic critical incidents is not limited to the _____. Rather, officers present at a shooting incident can be impacted by the experience. As the next opportunity for officers to discharge a Service firearm may not occur until their_____, often several months after the shooting incident, _____ have been established.

Answer 13

officers who discharge their firearms

annual requalification

post incident firearms exposure sessions

Question 14

Post Incident Firearms Exposure Session - Post incident firearms exposure sessions are individual sessions involving firearm _____ instructor. These sessions do NOT consist of a _____. Rather, post incident firearms exposure sessions consist of a course of fire intended to be ______. Post incident firearms exposure sessions at the Toronto Police College are mandatory for officers who ______. However, any officer involved in a shooting incident may request to participate in a post incident firearms exposure session.

Answer 14

exercises undertaken with a qualified firearms

qualification standard

educational, to provide reassurance, and to promote officers’ confidence with their firearm

discharge their firearms in the line of duty and officers determined by their unit commander to be directly impacted by the incident

Question 15

Post Incident Firearms Exposure Session - Post incident firearms exposure sessions do not apply to the discharge of a firearm for the purpose of _______, unless circumstances suggest otherwise.

Answer 15

dispatching an animal

Question 16

Post Incident Firearms Exposure Session - The training cadre attached to Specialized Emergency Response – Emergency Task Force (ETF) is comprised of _____. Therefore, ETF officers who discharge their firearms in the line of duty, or are determined by their unit commander to be directly impacted by a shooting incident, have the option of attending a post incident firearms exposure session with a _____ or at the Toronto Police College.

Answer 16

qualified firearms instructors

qualified firearms instructor at the ETF

Question 17

Post Incident Firearms Exposure Session - Unit commanders should consult with the_____, as required, when determining officers directly impacted by an officer– involved shooting incident.

Answer 17

supervisor, the officer in charge, the Armament Officer – Toronto Police College – Armament Section, and a Service Psychologist

Question 18

Member - When involved in a traumatic critical incident SHALL

Answer 18

 immediately report the incident to a supervisor
 seek medical attention, if necessary
 attend defusing and debriefing sessions as directed by the supervisor, officer in charge or the unit commander of
the affected unit and/or the CIRT/PSV or their designate

Question 19

Member - When involved in an officer–involved shooting incident SHALL

Answer 19

 comply with item 1
 attend a post incident firearms exposure session as directed by the Unit Commander
 Any officer involved in a shooting incident may request to participate in a post incident firearms exposure session.

Question 20

Member - Upon becoming aware that another member has been involved in a traumatic critical incident or is showing signs and symptoms of critical incident stress SHALL

Answer 20

 immediately notify a supervisor
 refrain from making any diagnosis

Question 21

Supervisor - Upon becoming aware that a member has been involved in a traumatic critical incident or is showing signs and symptoms of critical incident stress SHALL

Answer 21

 immediately notify the Officer in Charge of the affected member’s unit or civilian equivalent
 ensure an Injured on Duty Online Report is completed and submitted in compliance with Procedure 08–03
 The wording for the Injured on Duty Report under the section “Nature and Area of Injury(ies)” SHALL be: “Traumatic Critical Incident”.
 participate in the assessment of the incident with the officer in charge to determine the appropriate level of support for the member
 provide support and ongoing encouragement to assist the member

Question 22

Supervisor - When involved in an assessment of a traumatic critical incident SHALL

Answer 22

record all factors considered and actions taken in their memorandum book. Members not assigned a memorandum book SHALL make a written record of all factors considered and actions taken.

Question 23

Supervisor - When consulted regarding an officer–involved shooting incident SHALL make a record of the

Answer 23

consultation and actions taken in their memorandum book. Members not assigned a memorandum book SHALL make a written record of the consultation and actions taken.

Question 24

Officer in Charge / Civilian Equivalent - Upon becoming aware of a traumatic critical incident taking place SHALL

Answer 24

 consult with the Officer in Charge – TPOC to determine the appropriate level of response
 advise the Unit Commander when it is determined in consultation with the TPOC that the CIRT/PSV is required
to attend
 comply with Procedures 08–03 and 15–03, where applicable

Question 25

Officer in Charge / Civilian Equivalent - When involved in an assessment of a traumatic critical incident SHALL record all

Answer 25

factors considered and actions taken in their memorandum book. Members not assigned a memorandum book SHALL make a written record of all factors considered and actions taken.

Question 26

Officer in Charge / Civilian Equivalent -When consulted regarding an officer–involved shooting incident SHALL make a record of the

Answer 26

consultation and actions taken in their memorandum book. Members not assigned a memorandum book SHALL make a written record of the consultation and actions taken.

Question 27

Officer in Charge / Civilian Equivalent - When a member is involved in a traumatic critical incident and the CIRT/PSV is not immediately consulted SHALL ensure the member is

Answer 27

 advised that immediate support from the Service’s EFAP provider is available  provided a copy of the Critical Incident Stress Handout (Appendix A)  made aware of all the services available to them

Question 28

Officer in Charge / Civilian Equivalent - Upon becoming aware that a member has been directed to attend a mandatory defusing session, debriefing session,

Answer 28

ERROR

Question 29

Officer in Charge – Toronto Police Operations Centre - Upon becoming aware of a traumatic critical incident taking place SHALL respond to the unit’s request in consultation with the unit commander or the officer in charge of the involved unit. If assessment of the incident has determined that the CIRT must be activated, the TPOC SHALL

Answer 29

 immediately notify  the on–call CIRT/PSV using the on-call roster at the TPOC  the EFAP Liaison/CIRT Coordinator, during business hours  the Duty Senior Officer – TPOC  an on–call member of the Senior Officers Organization and/or Toronto Police Association, whichever is appropriate  comply with Procedure 13–16, where appropriate

Question 30

Critical Incident Response Team/Peer Support Volunteer - When notified of a traumatic critical incident SHALL

Answer 30

 review CIRT/PSV flowchart for appropriate response (see Appendix C)  notify the EFAP Liaison/CIRT Coordinator that a traumatic critical incident has occurred, by telephone during business hours and by e-mail after hours  in consultation with the Unit Commander/ Officer in Charge of the affected unit and the EFAP Liaison/CIRT Coordinator during business hours or the TPOC after hours, refer to the guidelines in Appendix B or consider other reasonable measures to support and assist the affected member  if required, attend and/or coordinate and facilitate a defusing session with another on-call CIRT/PSV or any available CIRT/PSV from the on-call roster provided by the EFAP Liaison/CIRT Coordinator  when the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) Mandate has been invoked, inform the Chief’s SIU On-Call Designated Authority of CIRT/PSV participation and during business hours consult with Psychological Services regarding the coordination of response  when the SIU Mandate has not been invoked, consult with the EFAP provider CIRT to determine appropriate response and, if necessary, inform the affected member of the EFAP provider’s involvement and contact details  ensure a copy of the Critical Incident Stress Handout has been provided to affected members  The current EFAP provider is Shepell∙fgi and can be reached by telephone at 1-855-431-EFAP (3327).  complete the applicable paperwork for the EFAP Liaison/CIRT Coordinator and forward as soon as possible

Question 31

Armament Officer – Toronto Police College – Armament Section - When consulted in accordance with items 14 and 15 SHALL

Answer 31

make a written record of the contact.

Question 32

Definitions - Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT)

Answer 32

means the team consisting of Peer Support Volunteers coordinated through the Service to respond to incidents where critical incident stress may occur and to assist members and their families to cope after becoming involved in a traumatic critical incident. CIRT members are trained in trauma response measures and are qualified to lead defusing sessions. CIRT members are not counsellors.

Question 33

Definitions - Critical Incident Stress

Answer 33

means physical and psychological symptoms experienced by a member as a result of being involved in a traumatic critical incident.

Question 34

Definitions - Debriefing Session

Answer 34

means a scheduled formal meeting specifically set up for members directly involved in the traumatic critical incident to discuss reactions to the traumatic event in confidence with a qualified mental health professional. The debriefing session takes place a few days after the conclusion of the traumatic critical incident, in a secure location where disruptions can be eliminated and can last up to two and one half (2.5) hours. The Employee Family Assistance Program Liaison/Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) Coordinator will work with the Officer in Charge, CIRT Peer Support Volunteer and/or the qualified mental health professional to schedule the session. Attendance is mandatory for the members directly involved but active participation in the discussion is voluntary. Debriefing sessions may be conducted by a mental health professional assisted by members of the CIRT and are not operational debriefings.

Question 35

Definitions - Defusing Session

Answer 35

means an immediate informal meeting attended by an individual or a group of members involved in a traumatic critical incident to assess the need for further assistance prior to the end of shift. The defusing session takes place immediately after the conclusion of the traumatic critical incident in a secure location where disruptions can be eliminated and lasts for approximately fifteen (15) to thirty (30) minutes. Two Peer Support Volunteers normally lead these meetings with Employee Family Assistance Program support if necessary. Attendance is mandatory but active participation in the discussion is voluntary. Defusing sessions may be conducted by a mental health professional assisted by members of the Critical Incident Response Team and are not operational debriefings.

Question 36

Definitions - Peer Support Volunteer (PSV)

Answer 36

means a Service member trained in trauma response measures and available on-call to provide ongoing assistance and support to members and their families after becoming involved in a traumatic critical incident. PSVs are qualified to lead defusing sessions. PSVs are not counsellors. The PSVs will assist members to seek professional treatment, if required.

Question 37

Definitions -Post Incident Firearm Exposure Session

Answer 37

means a session involving firearm exercises undertaken with a qualified firearms instructor. This session does not consist of a qualification standard and is not an operational debriefing. Rather, a post incident firearms exposure session consists of an individual course of fire intended to be educational, to provide reassurance, and to promote officers’ confidence with their firearm after an officer-involved shooting incident. The post incident firearms exposure session will take place prior to being returned to full duties after a shooting incident. Post incident firearms exposure sessions are mandatory for officers who discharge their firearms in the line of duty and officers determined by their Unit Commander to be directly impacted by the incident. However, any officer involved in a shooting incident may request to participate in a post incident firearms exposure session. Post incident firearms exposure sessions do not apply to the discharge of a firearm for the purpose of dispatching an animal, unless circumstances suggest otherwise.

Question 38

Definitions - Referral

Answer 38

means the assistance provided by the Employee and Family Assistance Program provider or Psychological Services to members and their families in locating a community mental health professional or other service suitable to the presenting difficulty.

Question 39

Definitions - Traumatic Critical Incident

Answer 39

means any incident during which a member experiences, witnesses, or is confronted with serious injury, death, or mass casualties; any incident in which the member’s life has been imperilled or threatened; or any situation which is recognized at the time to have the potential to significantly interfere immediately or at a later time with a member’s ability to function professionally or personally.