Death Investigation

Question 1

The _____ and _____ actions of police officers during the initial stages of an attempt suicide or death investigation, including the officers first on scene, supervisory officers, and divisional investigators, may assist in the quick and successful resolution of the investigation.

Answer 1

prompt, appropriate

Question 2

Supervision

Supervisory Officer attendance mandatory for

Answer 2

 suicide, possible sudden death, unnatural sudden death, suspicious death or suspected homicide
 sudden unexpected death, apparent suicide or accident where the only witness or person present at the time of death or the finding of the body is an intimate partner, past or present

Question 3

Supervisory Divisional Detective attendance mandatory for

Answer 3

 death of a child under 5
 sudden unexpected death of a child
 unnatural sudden death
 sudden unexpected death, apparent suicide or accident where the only witness or person present at the time of death or the finding of the body is an intimate partner, past or present

Question 4

Supervisory Officer notification mandatory for

Answer 4

 attempt suicide
 unable to confirm/establish identity of the deceased person
 unable to determine next of kin
 unable to notify next of kin in person
 request by another police service to notify next of kin

Question 5

Pronouncing Death
No person, except a qualified medical practitioner, has the authority to pronounce a person dead. The only exceptions are where:

Answer 5

 death appears obvious due to decomposition, decapitation, transection, gross rigor mortis, gross outpouring of cranial or visceral contents, or a grossly charred body, or
 a base hospital physician has declared death through consultation with an on–scene paramedic.

Question 6

Officers are reminded to remain vigilant for the possibility of foul play in every circumstance where there is:

Answer 6

 a sudden, unexpected death, and
 also present at the time of death or the finding of a body, a partner, and particularly a partner with whom the deceased had or may have had an intimate relationship, recent or remote.

Question 7

The Coroner may be consulted in cases of sudden death by natural causes at the discretion of the _______.

Answer 7

investigating officer

Question 8

Every sudden unexpected death of a child or the death of a child under 5 years of age must be actively investigated as _____, and _______ should not be made regarding the cause and manner of death until a thorough investigation has been completed.

Answer 8

suspicious, premature conclusions

Question 9

Identification of the Deceased
The investigator heading an investigation, or a police officer designated by the investigator, shall attend the morgue and be physically present when a deceased is identified under the following circumstances:

Answer 9

 homicide, suspected homicide or other related criminal offences
 cases where the investigating officer has requested the presence of another officer
 cases where an inquest has been or is likely to be called
 when the Coroner believes it is necessary due to the nature of the case, or the condition of the person doing the identification.

Question 10

First Police Officer
The first police officer to arrive at the scene shall be responsible for _____ (if applicable), ___________ and the ______ while awaiting the arrival of an appropriate investigator.

Answer 10

offender management, preservation of the evidence, crime scene

Question 11

FIRST OFFICER

Upon arrival at the scene shall

Answer 11

 designate a line of approach to the victim that allows for the least contamination possible
 take charge of the scene until the arrival of a supervisory officer
 in the absence of a doctor or Paramedics personnel
 assess the vital signs and responsiveness of the victim
 administer first–aid if signs of life are present while using the universal precautions as detailed in Procedure 08–07
 ensure the victim receives immediate medical attention
 request additional assistance as required
 request the attendance of a supervisory officer
 pending the arrival of a supervisory officer, assign officers to complete necessary tasks
 advise Paramedics and Toronto Fire Services (TFS) personnel of medical and suicide attempt details
 if the body has been moved, make note of the original position and any items moved to gain access to the body
 ensure the communications operator is advised of the details of the incident
 conduct a Person Query, including a CPIC and Canadian Firearms Registry On–line (CFRO) check
 determine whether any of the individuals involved in the occurrence own, possess or have access to a firearm, ammunition, firearms certificate, registration certificate, permit, licence or authorization and comply with Procedure 05–21
 Officer and public safety is compromised when firearms are left in a deceased’s dwelling and may come into the possession of an unlicensed person and/or person untrained to properly handle firearms.
 ensure a police officer accompanies the victim to hospital

Question 12

Police Officers
Upon discovering
 the death of a child under 5 years of age
 the sudden unexpected death of a child
 a suspicious death or suspected homicide, which may include
 an unexplained or unknown cause of death
 found human remains
 obvious or suspected foul play
 any other suspicious circumstances

Answer 12

 shall treat the death as suspicious

Question 13

Upon discovering a sudden unexpected death, apparent suicide or accident where the only witness or person present at the time of death or the finding of the body is an intimate partner, past or present shall

Answer 13

 remain vigilant for the possibility of foul play

 request the attendance of a supervisory officer and a divisional detective

Question 14

When investigating a sudden death in the emergency department of a hospital shall ensure, as part of the investigation that _____ and other ______ have not intentionally interfered with or altered the body in such a way as to compromise the evidence and the investigation.

Answer 14

hospital staff, caregivers

Question 15

When investigating an unnatural sudden death shall

Answer 15

 request the attendance of a supervisory officer and a divisional detective
 request the attendance and confirmation of notification of the Coroner
 leave the body undisturbed when death has been pronounced or where death appears obvious due to decomposition, decapitation, transection, gross rigor mortis, gross outpouring of cranial or visceral contents, or a grossly charred body
 promptly notify the Coroner, Paramedics and hospital personnel if a properly completed consent form relating to organ donation is located
 record all relevant details in the memorandum book, including the
 circumstances relating to the finding of the body
 position and description of the body
 physical characteristics of the scene
 description of the approach to and from the body
 personal information on the deceased, including but not limited to
 name, address, date and place of birth
 occupation, marital status
 personal physician and medical history
 Ontario Health / other insurance card, Welfare number, Social Insurance Number
 name, address, occupation and relationship of next of kin
 name, address, phone number and occupation of
 the person finding the body
 all other persons present
 any persons who have left the scene
 method of suicide, if applicable
 text of any suicide note or criminal writing, if applicable
 any relevant information obtained from witnesses and other persons on scene
 canvass the immediate area for any witnesses, where appropriate
 notify the Supervisory Officer if the identification of the deceased cannot be determined
 request the attendance of an FIS investigator, where applicable

Question 16

A SOCO shall not be assigned to death investigations involving

Answer 16

 the sudden, unexpected death of a child
 the death of a child under 5 years of age
 a suspicious death or suspected homicide.

Question 17

When a death occurs on TTC property, an FIS Investigator or a SOCO (with approval from FIS) will photograph the scene.

Answer 17

 request FIS to fingerprint and photograph the deceased if
 any outstanding criminal warrants exist
 an active criminal record is found
 the identification of the deceased is in question
 if an outstanding warrant exists, or a document relating to bail or parole is found, notify the respective unit or police service
 if in a public place, ensure the area is cleaned of blood, bodily fluids, etc., when necessary
- Either TFS or Toronto Transportation Services may be able to assist.
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 if on private property, advise the owner or person responsible for the property to ensure the area is cleaned of blood, bodily fluids, etc., when necessary
 seize and protect the suicide note or criminal writing in compliance with Procedure 05–08 when directed by a divisional detective

Question 18

When investigating a death where the deceased is found in a bathtub shall record in the memorandum book any of the following information that apply

Answer 18

 the approximate depth and temperature (e.g. hot, cold or room temperature) of any water present in the bathtub
 the position of the body (e.g. supine, prone or some other position)
 which end of the bathtub the head was positioned
 whether the body is wet or dry, including the hair
 whether the head is submerged at least up to and including mouth and nose
 whether the fingers and/or feet show signs of prolonged immersion
 whether there is evidence of froth in the mouth or nose
 whether the water stopper is engaged
 whether there is evidence to suggest that the deceased may have fallen into the bathtub.
- A finding of drowning is rarely based on definitive autopsy findings. Information from the initial responder is therefore often critical in these cases in determining the cause and manner of death.

Question 19

When investigating a death on TTC property, upon the direction of the Coroner shall

Answer 19

 obtain a stretcher from under the platform, place the body and any dismembered parts on the stretcher and remove from public view only after
 the Coroner has authorized the removal of the body, and
 the scene has been photographed, and
 a supervisor or detective has been consulted and authorized the removal of the body
 if the body must be moved prior to the scene being photographed, outline the position of the body

Question 20

When investigating an attempt suicide/suicide by drug overdose or ingestion of poison shall

Answer 20

 exercise extreme caution and comply with Procedure 08-06
- Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is highly toxic and potentially lethal in small doses. As it may be skin permeable, proper handling of suspected fentanyl is essential to minimizing potential health risks for members.
 refrain from handling any container containing a poison until advised that it is safe to do so
 collect evidence in compliance with Procedure 04–21
 consult with FIS to determine if any items are to be removed from the scene
 when seizing prescription and controlled substances on behalf of the Coroner or in relation to a criminal investigation, complete the applicable eReport including, where possible
 names of the medication located at death scene
 prescription number
 prescribed to (patient name)
 dosage instructions
 name of the pharmacy where the prescription was filled
 date of the prescription
 name of the prescribing physician
 number of pills, vials or patches, etc. prescribed and remaining
- Medications should not be taken to Forensic Pathology Units or hospital–based pathology units, unless specifically requested by the pathologist, and only following a case–by–case consideration. Medications shall not be placed in the body bag or otherwise sent with the body.

Question 21

When investigating an attempt suicide or death by gunshot shall

Answer 21

 comply with Procedure 05–21
 if the firearm must be moved for safety reasons, ensure detailed notes are completed regarding the condition of the firearm, including the position of the action, safety, and any ammunition
 when seizing any firearm, ensure the firearm is rendered safe and the firearm, ammunition and any ejected ammunition components are handled in compliance with Procedure 09–03

Question 22

When investigating a death attributed to consumer products shall notify

Answer 22

Health Canada, Consumer Product Safety.

Question 23

Consumer products may include such things as:

Answer 23

children’s playthings and equipment; flammable items; sports equipment; household and garden items; dangerous household chemical products; and charcoal products.

Question 24

When the next of kin is present at the location of a natural sudden death

Answer 24

 shall search the deceased and list valuables and personal effects in the memorandum book
 shall give all valuables and personal effects to the next of kin, requesting that they sign the memorandum book in receipt
 shall offer the next of kin the use of Victim Services Toronto in compliance with Procedure 04–31
 where there are concerns about the well–being of the next of kin, in addition to offering the use of Victim Services Toronto, should consider contacting other family members, neighbours, friends, or clergy to assist
 where no autopsy has been ordered, shall ensure the well–being of the next of kin prior to leaving the scene, including assistance in contacting a funeral service
 if the deceased is obviously destitute, should advise the next of kin they may apply to Toronto Social Services for burial or to the Last Post Fund if the deceased is a former member of the Canadian Forces

Question 25

When the next of kin is not present at the scene of a natural sudden death or cannot be determined shall

Answer 25

 remain with the body until it is removed
 search the body (in the presence of a witness, when possible) for information concerning the next of kin
 search the dwelling of the deceased for information pertaining to the next of kin
 seize valuables for safekeeping in compliance with Procedure 09–01
 comply with Procedure 09–04 when drugs are found or are seized
 make a record of medical information, bank accounts and insurance policies
 ensure the premises are secured until the next of kin or the public trustee is notified, or request the landlord to store large items until any of these persons are notified
 notify the Supervisory Officer
 notify the appropriate Children’s Aid Society, if applicable
 arrange for the care of pets
 notify the next of kin as soon as possible

Question 26

SUPERVISORY OFFICER

When notified of an unnatural sudden death shall

Answer 26

 take charge of the scene
 provide assistance and direction to the police officers at the scene
 ensure a police officer accompanies the body to the hospital
 request/assign further assistance, as required
 ensure the attendance of
 a divisional detective
 the Coroner
 a FIS investigator
 ensure a police officer accompanies the body to the hospital
 advise the Officer in Charge of all pertinent information
 ensure a police officer has been assigned to notify the next of kin, if necessary
- Whenever possible, notification of next of kin should be made by a supervisory officer in lieu of a constable.

Question 27

SUPERVISORY OFFICER
When dealing with  the death of a child under 5 years of age
 the sudden unexpected death of a child
 a suspicious death or suspected homicide, which may include
 an unexplained or unknown cause of death
 found human remains
 obvious or suspected foul play
 any other suspicious circumstances

Answer 27

shall treat the death as suspicious

Question 28

SUPERVISORY OFFICER
When notified of a sudden unexpected death, apparent suicide or accident where the only witness or person present at the time of death or the finding of the body is an intimate partner, past or present shall

Answer 28

 remain vigilant for the possibility of foul play

 ensure the attendance of a divisional detective

Question 29

The divisional investigator shall be responsible for …

Answer 29

ensuring effective management of the scene, the thoroughness of the investigation, and that the appropriate notifications are made.

Question 30

DETECTIVE

When notified of an unnatural sudden death shall

Answer 30

 attend the scene and co–ordinate the investigation
 ensure the attendance of FIS personnel, as required
 ensure that valuables seized for safekeeping are handled in compliance with Procedure 09–01
 provide direction concerning the return of valuables to the next of kin
 confer with the attending Coroner and obtain a copy of the Coroner’s warrant;
 provide the following information to the Coroner before leaving the scene
 original eReport number;
 identification of deceased and method of confirmation, if known;
 name, address, phone number and relationship of next of kin, if known; and
 name, badge number and a contact phone number of assigned investigator
- It is imperative that the Coroner is provided with a contact number of the assigned investigator in the event that additional information is required from the Service prior to the autopsy being conducted.
 ensure identification of the deceased person is confirmed, if possible
 add supplementary information to the original eReport listing
 method of identification confirmation; and
 name, address and phone number of the person making the identification
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 when the Coroner has ordered an autopsy, ensure the following reports are completed and forwarded to the Coroner’s Office prior to the Post Mortem Examination
 applicable eReports
 Preliminary Police Report
- The Preliminary Police Report was developed by the Office of the Chief Coroner and shall be completed, in addition to the applicable eReport, for any unnatural sudden death where the Coroner has ordered an autopsy.
 maintain continuity by ensuring
 a TPS 214 is applied to the body bag prior to removal to the morgue, or
 a police officer accompanies the body to the morgue
 ensure an officer attends and obtains the results of the Post Mortem Examination then adds the supplementary information to the original eReport
 consider and exercise, where applicable, all powers of search and seizure, with and without warrant, relating to weapons, firearms, ammunition, explosives and the related licences, certificates or permits
 notify Organized Crime Enforcement – Integrated Gun & Gang Task Force when firearms are or may be a factor
 notify the MPU via the global e-mail address at MissingPersons

Question 31

DETECTIVE
When notified of a sudden unexpected death, apparent suicide or accident where the only witness or person present at the time of death or the finding of the body is an intimate partner, past or present shall

Answer 31

 attend the scene and co–ordinate the investigation
 conduct a thorough investigation, remaining vigilant for the possibility of foul play
 determine if there is a history of prior domestic violence, intimate relationship dysfunction, or anything else to arouse suspicion
 consult with the Coroner and the FIS investigator
 if suspicious circumstances exist, consult with a member of the On–Call Homicide Team prior to leaving the scene

Question 32

DETECTIVE

When the deceased cannot be readily identified shall

Answer 32

 request that FIS fingerprint and photograph the deceased
 consider the use of the FIS Forensic Artist to complete a reconstructed image for a media release
 request that the Coroner have a dentist complete an OPC 105
 ensure the OPC 105 is scanned and attached to the original eReport
 ensure the eReport number is forwarded to RMS – Operations (RMS – Ops) for inclusion in the CPIC Dental Characteristics file
 consider contacting FIS regarding the completion of Interpol Disaster Victim Identification forms and the gathering of samples for DNA analysis and comparison
 continue efforts to locate and notify the next of kin
 ensure identification is made by a relative, a close friend or a person who knows the deceased in the presence of a morgue official

Question 33

The Officer in Charge is responsible for ensuring ….

Answer 33

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

Question 34

OIC

When notified of an unnatural sudden death shall ensure….

Answer 34

 detective personnel are assigned and attend the scene
 a copy of the completed eReport and Preliminary Police Report are forwarded by TPS eFax to the Office of the Chief Coroner as soon as practicable, and prior to the post mortem examination
 if involving a foreign national, notify Intelligence Services – Strategic Assessment and Analysis Section
- Landed Immigrants should be considered foreign nationals as they remain citizens of the country from which they emigrated.