15-01 Incident Response ( Use Of Force/ De- Escalation)

Question 1

What does the Toronto Police Service prioritize over property protection?

Answer 1

Protection of human life

The Service places the highest value on the protection of life and the safety of its members and the public.

Question 2

What is the purpose of the Ontario Use of Force Model?

Answer 2

To promote continuous critical assessment and evaluation of situations and to understand various force options

It assists members in responding to potentially violent situations.

Question 3

True or False: The Ontario Use of Force Model prescribes specific response options for given situations.

Answer 3

False

It does not serve as a justification for the use of force.

Question 4

Who decides the necessity and amount of force to be used in a situation?

Answer 4

The member personally involved in the event

Decisions are made based on training, law, and the Ontario Use of Force Model.

Question 5

What are core tools that officers must consider continuously in situations involving use of force?

Answer 5

De-escalation and communication

These methods should be used even after force has occurred.

Question 6

Define de-escalation.

Answer 6

Strategies intended to reduce the intensity of a conflict or crisis to gain compliance without force

It may also aim to reduce the amount of force used.

Question 7

According to the Criminal Code, who is authorized to use necessary force in law enforcement?

Answer 7

Every person required or authorized to administer or enforce the law

They must act on reasonable grounds.

Question 8

What is the minimum training requirement for police officers to use force?

Answer 8

Completion of the prescribed training course on the use of force

This is mandated by Ontario Regulation 926/90.

Question 9

List the approved use of force options for police officers.

Answer 9

• Handgun
• Oleoresin capsicum (OC) aerosol spray
• Baton
• Officer safety and physical control techniques

These options are provided under Ontario Regulation 3/99.

Question 10

Under what conditions can a member use a weapon other than a firearm?

Answer 10

If approved by the Solicitor General and conforms to established standards

The weapon must also be used in compliance with Service Governance.

Question 11

What are intermediate force options that members may use?

Answer 11

• Issued baton
• OC spray
• Conducted energy weapon (CEW)

These can be used in specific situations to prevent harm.

Question 12

What is meant by ‘weapons of opportunity’ in police use of force?

Answer 12

Reasonable use of available items as weapons when approved options are not available

This is permitted for self-defense or public defense.

Question 13

What authorized restraining devices may police officers use?

Answer 13

• Handcuffs
• Leg irons
• Spit shields
• Plastic flexi-cuffs

These may be used for controlling violent individuals in custody.

Question 14

Under what conditions can a peace officer use potentially lethal force?

Answer 14

When arresting a fleeing suspect under specific legal conditions

These conditions include lawful arrest and belief in imminent danger.

Question 15

True or False: Officers are allowed to discharge firearms at a motor vehicle to disable it.

Answer 15

False

This method is considered ineffective and hazardous.

Question 16

What is the protocol if an officer discharges a firearm?

Answer 16

Notify the Senior Duty Officer and complete a Firearm Discharge Report

The Firearm Discharge Investigator is responsible for administrative investigations.

Question 17

What must officers do when they witness misconduct from another member?

Answer 17

Intervene, record details, and report the incident

Failure to report misconduct may constitute misconduct itself.

Question 18

What is required when a member uses physical force resulting in injury?

Answer 18

Submit a Use of Force Report to the Chief of Police

This includes drawing a firearm or using any weapon on another person.

Question 19

What data must be collected regarding race in Use of Force Reports?

Answer 19

The officer’s perception of the race of individuals involved

This is mandated by Ontario Regulation 267/18.

Question 20

What is the exemption to the Use of Force Report requirement?

Answer 20

When a firearm is merely carried or displayed during training

Such actions do not require a report.

Question 21

What are Special Constables and Auxiliary Members restricted from using?

Answer 21

Firearms

They are issued other force options like batons and pepper gel.

Question 22

True or False: Warning shots are an acceptable practice for police officers.

Answer 22

False

Warning shots pose an unacceptable hazard to the public.

Question 23

What are the restrictions on discharging a firearm at a motor vehicle?

Answer 23

• Not for the purpose of disabling the vehicle
• Not at the operator or occupants unless there is an immediate threat
• Not as a warning shot

Warning shots present an unacceptable hazard to both the public and the police.

Question 24

What must be complied with when discharging a Service issued firearm for dispatching an animal?

Answer 24

Procedure 15–03

This procedure outlines the guidelines for humane dispatching of animals.

Question 25

In critical situations, what are the recommended actions for officers?

Answer 25

• Avoid confrontation by disengaging to a place of safety
• Take all reasonable measures to contain the scene
• Notify the communications operator and request attendance of:
* a supervisory officer
* Toronto Paramedic Services, if required

These actions aim to ensure safety and proper management of critical incidents.

Question 26

What is defined as a Firearm Discharge?

Answer 26

When a Service member discharges a firearm in the performance of their duty intentionally or unintentionally

This includes any discharge regardless of injury or death caused, except those at an authorized range.

Question 27

What should be done if a probationary constable is involved in a Use of Force incident?

Answer 27

A review of the incident, Body Worn Camera, and in Car Camera footage shall be conducted with the probationary constable

This ensures proper oversight and training for new officers.

Question 28

What are the responsibilities of the Officer in Charge upon being notified of a firearm discharge?

Answer 28

• Ensure a supervisory officer is assigned
• Notify the Unit Commander
• Notify the Officer in Charge – Toronto Police Operations Centre
• Ensure a description of the event is detailed in the Unit Commander’s Morning Report

These steps ensure accountability and thorough investigation of firearm discharges.

Question 29

What actions should the Officer in Charge take upon receipt of a Use of Force Report?

Answer 29

• Ensure compliance with critical incident stress procedures
• Complete necessary TPS forms
• Ensure accuracy of the Use of Force Report
• Forward the report electronically
• Submit recommendations for additional training, if needed

This process is crucial for maintaining records and ensuring appropriate follow-up.

Question 30

What is the role of the Firearm Discharge Investigator (FDI)?

Answer 30

To take charge of the investigation of firearm discharge incidents and ensure compliance with additional investigative requirements

This role is critical for accountability and thorough investigations in firearm discharge cases.

Question 31

Define ‘Authorized Range’.

Answer 31

A range operated by:
• The Service
• Another Ontario police service
• A privately owned and provincially approved shooting range
• The Department of National Defence (DND)

Authorized ranges are designated for safe firearm training and practice.

Question 32

What is a Conducted Energy Weapon (CEW)?

Answer 32

A weapon that primarily uses propelled wires to conduct energy affecting the sensory and/or motor functions of the central nervous system

CEWs are used as non-lethal options for law enforcement.

Question 33

What does ‘Dispatching of an Animal’ refer to?

Answer 33

The discharge of a firearm to end the life of an animal that is potentially dangerous or badly injured

This is done to prevent further suffering and ensure public safety.

Question 34

What is the definition of a Firearm for the purposes of use of force?

Answer 34

A Service issued or authorized firearm

This includes all firearms that are officially sanctioned for use by law enforcement.

Question 35

What is the composition of the Incident Review Committee (IRC)?

Answer 35

• Unit Commander or designate – Specialized Emergency Response
• Unit Commander or designate – Strategy & Risk Management
• Unit Commander or designate - Professional Standards
• Section Head – Toronto Police College (TPC) – Armament Section
• Training Analyst – TPC – Armament Section
• Representatives from various fields

The IRC reviews incidents involving use of force to assess training and practices.

Question 36

What is the mandate of the Incident Review Committee (IRC)?

Answer 36

• Review incidents where force was used
• Assess the effectiveness of training and practices
• Report findings to the Senior Management Team (SMT)

This ensures accountability and improvement in service procedures.

Question 37

What does the term ‘Unit Investigating Supervisor’ refer to?

Answer 37

A supervisor assigned to the Unit quality control or a Unit Complaint Coordinator (UCC)

This role is essential for overseeing investigations related to use of force.