Procedure 04-02 Death Investigations

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Questions and Answers

Which situations require the mandatory attendance of a Supervisory Officer?

Suspicious death or suspected homicide scenarios (correct)

All instances of sudden death, including natural causes

Apparent suicide where no witnesses are present (correct)

Only cases where the identity of the deceased is confirmed

Under which circumstance can a person other than a qualified medical practitioner pronounce death?

When decomposition of the body is evident (correct)

If the person is a police officer on the scene

If there are witnesses present to confirm death

When a medical practitioner is on a phone consultation

What action must a supervisory officer take when the identity of the deceased is unable to be established?

Notify the next of kin immediately

Pronounce the person dead based on circumstantial evidence

Request assistance from another police service (correct)

Conduct an alternative investigation without notifying anyone

What scenario does NOT require the mandatory attendance of a Supervisory Divisional Detective?

Sudden unexpected death of an adult with witnesses Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Toronto Paramedic Services in cases of death or attempted suicide at the scene?

To render medical assistance and not transport those pronounced dead Signup and view all the answers

What must be done following the pronouncement of death by the Coroner?

The body should remain untouched until the Coroner provides direction. Signup and view all the answers

In which case must the sudden unexpected death of a child under five be considered suspicious?

Every sudden unexpected death of a child or child under five years old. Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential requirement for officers attending a post mortem examination?

They must have an essential need related to the case being examined. Signup and view all the answers

What should the first police officer on the scene of a sudden death ensure?

They are responsible for offender management and preserving the crime scene. Signup and view all the answers

What actions should be taken if identification of the deceased cannot be determined at the scene?

Ensure the Homicide and Missing Persons Unit is notified. Signup and view all the answers

What should police officers do upon discovering the death of a child under five years of age?

Treat the death as suspicious and comply with established procedures. Signup and view all the answers

In the case of a sudden unexpected death with only an intimate partner present, what should police officers prioritize?

Remain vigilant for potential foul play. Signup and view all the answers

What action must be taken regarding the body when death appears obvious due to decomposition?

Leave the body undisturbed until instructed otherwise. Signup and view all the answers

What information should police officers record in the memorandum book when investigating a sudden death?

Circumstances of body discovery, physical scene characteristics, and personal information of the deceased. Signup and view all the answers

When investigating a death that results from a scuba diving accident, what specialist should be requested?

A Marine Unit. Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary when investigating a death found in a bathtub?

Record specific details about the position and condition of the body and any water present. Signup and view all the answers

What must police officers ensure when investigating unnatural sudden deaths?

Leave the body undisturbed and request necessary investigative support. Signup and view all the answers

What is the proper procedure regarding the handling of illicit drugs found during an autopsy order?

Illicit drugs must be seized according to specific procedures and should not accompany the body. Signup and view all the answers

In a case where the next of kin is not present at the natural sudden death scene, what steps should be taken regarding valuable items?

Valuables should be seized for safekeeping and documented according to protocols. Signup and view all the answers

What must be documented in the memorandum book at the scene of a natural sudden death when the next of kin is present?

Presence or absence of valuables and their positions on the body. Signup and view all the answers

What action should a supervisory officer take when notified of an unnatural sudden death?

Provide assistance to on-scene officers and ensure the body's transport to the hospital. Signup and view all the answers

What should be the focus when an intimate partner is the only witness to a sudden unexpected death?

Remaining vigilant for potential foul play. Signup and view all the answers

What must be ensured before approaching the track level in the event of a rail-related attempt suicide or death?

The electrical power is turned off Signup and view all the answers

What is the first course of action to take if a gas poisoning incident is suspected?

Turn off the source of the gas, if safe Signup and view all the answers

When would it be permitted to remove a body from public view?

After the scene has been photographed Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a death investigation reveals the presence of fentanyl?

Exercise extreme caution and minimize contact Signup and view all the answers

What is the appropriate action if a firearm must be relocated during an investigation?

Document its condition thoroughly before moving Signup and view all the answers

In the event that a death involves suspected consumer product tampering, whom should you notify?

Health Canada, Consumer Product Safety Signup and view all the answers

When investigating a death attributed to hanging, how should the body be handled?

Preserve the knot if it's safe to do so Signup and view all the answers

Which procedure should be followed when a person is suspected of having a drug overdose?

Consult with FIS before collecting evidence Signup and view all the answers

What should be performed when there are concerns about ongoing hazards at a scene?

Immediately evacuate all persons according to Procedure 10–09 Signup and view all the answers

What is required when collecting evidence related to controlled substances at a scene?

Complete an eReport for relevant medications Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Initial Response and Scene Management

Quick and effective police actions during suicide or death investigations enhance resolution outcomes.
Scenes may present hazards such as loaded firearms, poisonous gases, and bodily fluids.
Police officers must prioritize safety and thoroughness during investigations.

Supervisor Attendance and Notification

Mandatory supervisory attendance for:
- Unnatural deaths, sudden deaths, suspicious deaths, and incidents involving intimate partners present.
- Child deaths under five or sudden unexpected child deaths.
Required supervisory notification for:
- Suicide attempts and cases lacking victim identification or next of kin notification.

Pronouncing Death

Only qualified medical practitioners can officially pronounce death, except for clear signs of death such as decomposition or significant trauma.
Toronto Paramedics respond for medical assistance but do not transport those pronounced obviously dead.

Investigation Procedures

Investigators must remain vigilant for foul play during sudden or suspicious deaths, particularly with intimate partner presence.
The Chief Coroner must be notified in cases of unnatural sudden death—responsible for body removal authorization.

Handling Child Deaths

Sudden unexpected child deaths, especially under five, must be investigated as suspicious without premature conclusions regarding their cause.

Identification Protocols

Investigators must be present during identification of deceased individuals in cases of homicide or suspicious circumstances.
If identification is unconfirmed, notify Homicide and Missing Persons Unit for support.

Health and Safety in Post Mortem Examinations

Access to post mortem facilities is restricted to essential personnel related to the case.

Role of First Responding Officers

The first officer on scene manages the crime scene, ensures evidence preservation, and assesses victim condition.
Officers must be trained in first aid and take precautions while attending to victims.

Additional Police Officer Responsibilities

Officers arriving later must follow the first officer's lead while conducting investigations.
Special attention is given to deaths of children and potential suspicious circumstances.

Evidence and Scene Documentation

Critical details must be recorded, including body position, personal information, and witness accounts.
Investigation protocols dictate careful collection and handling of evidence, especially regarding suicide notes and body conditions.

Special Investigation Instances

Guidelines differ for specific cases, including scuba diving accidents, drowning, traffic collisions, and deaths on transit property.
Responding to gas poisoning must prioritize extinguishing hazards and ensuring safety in the vicinity.

Investigating Overdoses and Drug Ingestion

Officers must handle drug evidence with extreme caution, especially potent substances like fentanyl, and follow strict procedures for evidence handling.

Gunshot Death Investigations

Procedural compliance is required when handling firearms at death scenes.
Detailed documentation is necessary if firearms are moved for safety reasons.

Death by Consumer Products

Deaths linked to consumer products must involve notification to Health Canada for oversight.

Final Notes on Specific Cases

Preserving evidence is critical in suicide investigations, including maintaining knots in hanging cases.
Thorough searches for personal items are essential in death scenarios involving falls.### Autopsy Procedures
Coroner mandates autopsy; search deceased's clothing for illicit drugs unless in homicide or suspicious death cases.
Illicit drugs found must be seized following specific procedures, ensuring they do not accompany the body for examination.
Personnel must remain with the body until a removal service arrives.

Documentation

Record the presence of valuables and their exact positions on the deceased in a memorandum book.
Accompany the body to the morgue or affix a TPS 214 to the body bag for consistency.

Next of Kin Protocols (Present)

Search deceased for valuables and document findings in a memorandum book, handing items to next of kin who must sign for them.
Offer Victim Services to the next of kin and ensure their well-being before leaving the scene.
Assist the next of kin in contacting funeral services if no autopsy is ordered.
Advise destitute next of kin about options for burial assistance through social services.

Next of Kin Protocols (Absent)

Remain with the deceased until removed; search for next of kin information with a witness.
Secure the premises and document valuables for safekeeping; notify the Supervisory Officer and Children’s Aid Society if applicable.

Reporting Requirements

Complete applicable eReports following scene investigation and attach memorandum notes.
Firearms Interest Police (FIP) entries auto-generated for potential violent acts associated with individuals.

Investigation Guidelines

Attend autopsies and obtain results to add supplementary information to eReports.
Respond promptly to reports of sudden or unnatural death, ensuring police presence and coordination with detectives and coroners.

Death of Minors

Treat deaths of children under five or suspicious deaths (including unexplained causes) as suspicious and comply with designated investigation procedures.

Compassionate Notifications

Delivery of death notifications to next of kin must be professional and compassionate; ensure proper identification before notifying.
Utilize support services for next of kin, emphasizing sensitivity during communication.

Identification of the Deceased

Utilize fingerprinting and forensic artistry when identification proves difficult; engage Coroner for dental identification if necessary.
Ensure the identification process involves a relative or knowledgeable individual in the presence of a morgue official.

Investigative Collaboration

Collaborate with detective personnel for undetermined circumstances or suspicious deaths, consulting with forensic investigators when appropriate.
Notify intelligence services for foreign nationals involved in unnatural deaths.

Continuous Efforts to Locate Next of Kin

Continue efforts to contact next of kin through various channels if initial notifications fail; enlist community agencies and support services as needed.

Notification Protocols Outside the Jurisdiction

Coordinate with supervisors of other police services for notification requests, maintaining thorough documentation and follow-up communications.

Professionalism and Follow-Up

Appropriate responses include involving higher authority for unsuccessful notifications; ensure compliance with procedure and thorough documentation throughout all interactions.

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Description

This quiz assesses your knowledge of the mandatory attendance of Supervisory Officers in death investigations and the roles of medical practitioners and paramedics. Explore scenarios that require specific actions by the Coroner and the protocol following a pronouncement of death. Test your understanding of the procedures involved in these critical situations.