Death Investigation Flashcards
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.
prompt, appropriate
Supervision
Supervisory Officer attendance mandatory for
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
Supervisory Divisional Detective attendance mandatory for
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
Supervisory Officer notification mandatory for
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
Pronouncing Death
No person, except a qualified medical practitioner, has the authority to pronounce a person dead. The only exceptions are where:
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.
Officers are reminded to remain vigilant for the possibility of foul play in every circumstance where there is:
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.
The Coroner may be consulted in cases of sudden death by natural causes at the discretion of the _______.
investigating officer
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.
suspicious, premature conclusions
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:
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.
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.
offender management, preservation of the evidence, crime scene
FIRST OFFICER
Upon arrival at the scene shall
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
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
shall treat the death as suspicious
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
remain vigilant for the possibility of foul play
request the attendance of a supervisory officer and a divisional detective
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.
hospital staff, caregivers
When investigating an unnatural sudden death shall
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
A SOCO shall not be assigned to death investigations involving
the sudden, unexpected death of a child
the death of a child under 5 years of age
a suspicious death or suspected homicide.
When a death occurs on TTC property, an FIS Investigator or a SOCO (with approval from FIS) will photograph the scene.
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
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
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.
When investigating a death on TTC property, upon the direction of the Coroner shall
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
When investigating an attempt suicide/suicide by drug overdose or ingestion of poison shall
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.
When investigating an attempt suicide or death by gunshot shall
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
When investigating a death attributed to consumer products shall notify
Health Canada, Consumer Product Safety.
Consumer products may include such things as:
children’s playthings and equipment; flammable items; sports equipment; household and garden items; dangerous household chemical products; and charcoal products.
When the next of kin is present at the location of a natural sudden death
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
When the next of kin is not present at the scene of a natural sudden death or cannot be determined shall
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
SUPERVISORY OFFICER
When notified of an unnatural sudden death shall
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.
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
shall treat the death as suspicious
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
remain vigilant for the possibility of foul play
ensure the attendance of a divisional detective
The divisional investigator shall be responsible for …
ensuring effective management of the scene, the thoroughness of the investigation, and that the appropriate notifications are made.
DETECTIVE
When notified of an unnatural sudden death shall
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
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
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
DETECTIVE
When the deceased cannot be readily identified shall
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
The Officer in Charge is responsible for ensuring ….
an appropriate uniform response and, in the absence of the detective sergeant, an appropriate investigative response.
OIC
When notified of an unnatural sudden death shall ensure….
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.
